I’m very happy to be able to post this neat little demo song from the musical “Paul Jennings and The Burning of the White House,” which I’m currently writing with playwright and composer Norman L. Berman.

In this musical, we follow the story of Paul Jennings, a slave to President and Dolley Madison, and his journey of survival and self-discovery during the British burning of Washington, DC in August 1814.

The recent demo song – “Give ‘Em a Kick” – is sung by the 15-year-old Paul Jennings early in Act One. Young Paul is smart, opinionated, saucy, and big with dreams, despite his lowly status in American society. When he feels the rest of the world doesn’t quite accord him the respect he deserves, Paul lets loose with this song, to the annoyance of the other White House servants.

(Photograph of the older Paul Jennings)

Soloist: Olly Sholotan
Ensemble: David Lee, Tonoccus McClain, Fredericka Meek, and Maiya Sykes

You can listen to the song below.

I’m excited to be able to share a demo of another song from my musical with composer Norman L. Berman – “Paul Jennings and The Burning of the White House.”

As I’ve previously mentioned, this musical is based on the early life of Paul Jennings, 15-year-old house slave to President and Dolley Madison, who witnessed and survived the 1814 British invasion and burning of Washington, DC during the War of 1812. The musical traces Paul’s journey of growth and self-discovery from boy to man and his growing awareness of his status as a slave in American society. It also charts his perilous navigation of the dramas surrounding the British conquest of the capital.

This song – “The House We Build Here” – is a choral number sung towards the end of the play after the British army has burned Washington and Paul, President Madison, Dolley Madison, and some other slaves have returned to the burnt-out shell of the White House. Together, the assembled crowd dreams of what the new White House will look like. The young Paul – watched by his older self, who narrates the musical – envisions something different, more practical the others.

Ensemble:  Alvin Chea, Shabnam Kalbasi, Olly Sholotan, Lisa Vroman

You can listen to the song below.

I’m happy to present another wonderful demo recording of one of the songs from the new musical I’m writing with co-librettist and composer Norman L. Berman.

The project – entitled “Paul Jennings & The Burning of the White House” – follows Paul Jennings, the 15-year-old house slave to President and Mrs. Madison, as he navigates the horrors of war and slavery, while treasuring deep, conflicting relationships with the first couple of the land.

The demo recorded below is from the beginning of Act Two; the British have captured Washington, DC and a distraught, defeated James Madison (above), having fled the field of battle and witnessed the destruction of a country he helped build, ponders his role in the nation’s catastrophe.

The song uses the wonderful vocal talent of Luc Kleiner.

Many thanks again to my collaborator, Norman, for arranging and coordinating this effort!

Demo: “I LOOK BEHIND ME”

I’m happy to present another wonderful demo recording of one of the songs from the new musical I’m writing with co-librettist and composer Norman L. Berman –“Paul Jennings & The Burning of the White House”.

The project concerns the young Paul Jennings, slave to James and Dolley Madison, President and First Lady of the United States in the early 1800’s, and his experience of the British occupation of Washington, DC. One very powerful scene early in Act Two involves the young slave being present as the British, having conquered the capital city, led by the acerbic, blustery Admiral George Cockburn, decide to burn down the White House.

The demo record below is from this scene in the play; Admiral Cockburn is exhorting the British soldiers to burn down the Presidential Palace and the entire city along with it.

The song uses the wonderful vocal talents of Keith ColClough (Admiral Cockburn) with back-up from Joshua Finkel, Gordon Goodman, Tonuccus McClain, and Dink O’Neal.

Many thanks yet again to my collaborator, Norman, for arranging and coordinating this effort!

Demo: “INFERNO!”

I’m happy to present a wonderful demo recording of one of the songs from the new musical I’m writing with co-librettist and composer Norman L. Berman.

The project – entitled “Paul Jennings & The Burning of the White House” – is an original musical about Paul Jennings, the 15-year-old house slave to President and Mrs. Madison, who discovers his true heroism, strength, and purpose living through one of the most momentous event in the nation’s history –   the burning of the White House.

The demo recorded below is from the end of Act One; the war of 1812 is raging, the British army is approaching the capital, and there is general fear that slaves throughout the country will revolt – but young Paul, as recalled by his older, wiser self, sings to his mistress, Dolley Madison, about his devotion to her, as well as his desire for freedom.

The song uses the wonderful vocal talent of Alvin Chea and Tonoccus McClain.

Many thanks to my collaborator, Norman, for arranging and coordinating this effort!

Demo: “HERE I IS