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Deborah Wicks La Puma: Theatrical Composer

Music-Pen and Ink from Chasing George Washington

A White House Adventure
By Karen Zacarías
with the young playwrights of Young Playwrights’ Theater
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma

Synopsis | History | Musical Numbers | Production Elements | Authors

production elements

CAST: 3 Women, 3 Men

Female:
ANNIE - an Eastern European immigrant girl, also plays SUSAN FORD (Mezzo Soprano)
DEE – an African American girl, also plays CAROLINE KENNEDY (Alto Belt)
WOMAN - plays MS. LETTER, JACKIE KENNEDY, MARY TODD LINCOLN, and DOLLEY MADISON (Lyric Soprano)

Male:
JOSÉ - a Latino boy, also plays TAD LINCOLN (Tenor)
GEORGE WASHINGTON - first President of the United States (Bari/Tenor)
MAN - plays GUARD, PRESIDENT LINCOLN, PRESIDENT FORD (Off stage), and PRESIDENT VAN BUREN (Bass/Baritone)

MUSIC: Traditional Musical Theatre score, with some Disco and Salsa. Accompaniment CD available.

MUSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate

TECHNICAL REQUIMENTS: Moderate. Required Gilbert Stuart painting that gets “knocked off” the wall, and various location and time changes. Originally done with projections.

SUGGESTED AUDIENCE: Young Audiences/Families

Annie, José and Dee talk about their White House field trip. (l-r) Jenna Sokolowski as Annie, Billy Bustamante as José, Felicia Curry as Dee. Photo credit: Carol Pratt.

Every sixth grader in the US (and his/her parents) should see "Chasing George Washington"
Wonderfully accessible! Funny, relevant and poignant! There was not a dry eye in the house after the Lincoln scene and beautiful song. My son has never asked more questions about history. The play made all of us appreciate the evolution of the Revolution. Next week we are going to see the Washington portrait at the Portrait Gallery per my son's request! A play with impact...to change the way kids see themselves and their role in history. – “Soccerdad”