I’m thrilled to announce that composer Norman L. Berman and I have released another demo track recording from our epic new musical “The Burning of the White House”.

The musical tells the story of young slave Paul Jennings and his quest for freedom and manhood set against the 1814 British invasion of Washington DC and the subsequent burning of the White House, the Capitol, and other key government buildings.

Our newest release – “Escape from the White House” – is the fast-paced finale to Act One, when the British army is approaching Washington DC and First Lady Dolley Madison and the White House staff must flee for their lives.

The song starts with some reflections from the 50-year-old version of the young slave Paul Jennings, who narrates the musical to us, reflecting back on the day when the British invaded and it seemed the very country was about to collapse.

President James Madison is leading American forces in Maryland as the British march towards the capital city – but Dolley is refusing to consider defeat and is busy organizing a fine dinner for what she believes will be her victorious husband with his victorious army… even while guns in the distance and the conspicuous absence of certain guests indicate all is not going well for the American forces.

As each character relives the scene in their mind – Dolley, the Master of Ceremonies at the White House (Jean Pierre Sioussat), Dolley’s maidservant Sukey, Madison’s friend Charles Carroll – the news arrives from different fleeing parties that the American army has been defeated, President Madison has fled the field of battle, and the British are marching in full force towards the capital city.

Taking command, Dolley organizes the evacuation of the White House, seeking to save key documents of state, as well as the famous portrait of George Washington hanging in the drawing room – but unfortunately Dolley forgets to take the President’s state papers, prompting young Paul Jennings to remain behind and rescue them… a fateful decision, indeed, as the young slave is subsequently captured by the British army.

“Escape from the White House” encompassed the entire drama of that final day in August 14, 1824 during the British invasion, encompassing the beautiful and wondrous vocal talents of Amick Bryam, Edmund Rodriguez, Tehillah Alphonso, Luc Kleiner, Lydia Elle, Dylan Gentile, Tonoccus McLaine, Lisa Vroman, and Mark Edward Smith, and vibrant, lush orchestrations by John Peter Sampson.

I hope you enjoy!!