The Crossing: A Revolutionary New Musical—Book & Lyrics by Jason Huza, Music by John Allen Watts—Features Black Patriots and Thomas Paine
On Christmas night 1776, with the American Revolution hanging by a thread, General George Washington crossed the Delaware River into present day Hopewell Township. What followed — stunning victories at Trenton and Princeton — turned the tide of the war. Now, 250 years later, those ten crucial days are coming to life as a musical on the Hopewell Valley Stage on June 20th.
Falling on Juneteenth weekend, 60-minute concert preview performance The Crossing will highlight two important African American Patriots—a central New Jersey man, Jacob Francis, and George Washington’s valet, William “Billy” Lee. Show times are 3pm and 8pm on June 20. Tickets range from $25 to $65 and can be purchased online.The Hopewell preview is supported by grants from the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, the Hopewell Museum, Morven, and the Princeton Battlefield Society.
Martin Hargrove’s opera roles include His operatic roles include Colline, in La Boheme, Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Sparafucile and Monterone in Rigoletto, Angelotti in Tosca, Jake in Porgy and Bess,
“The Crossing reimagines Washington’s crossing of the Delaware, spotlighting the diverse, often overlooked voices of the Continental Army,” said John Allen Watts, the musical’s composer and a musical director at The Lucy Moses School in New York City.
Roger S. Williams, a founder of TenCrucialDays,org, underscored the production’s historical and civic significance: “The story of the crossing and the victories at Trenton and Princeton is New Jersey’s most important and famous contribution to American history.” Indeed, the full show will premiere at the Patriots Theater in Trenton on December 26, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton, and the musical is seeking to be named New Jersey’s “official musical” this year.
The musical centers on Thomas Paine, whose galvanizing essay The American Crisis — with its immortal opening, “These are the times that try men’s souls” — helped inspire the victories at Trenton. Paine is performed by James Nicholas, a New York-based actor and singer, and 1st prize winner of the 2016 Lotte Lenya Singing Competition. James has starred in shows off-Broadway, National Tours, and at theatres across the country. He created the Role of Phillip Gardner on the Emmy Award-Winning Series Broadwalk Empire on HBO and has guest starred on multiple shows including “Boardwalk Empire,” “Law and Order,” “Fosse/Verdon,” and more.
Also featured are two important African American figures from the historical record, among them William “Billy” Lee, General Washington’s valet and constant companion, portrayed by Martin Hargrove who has performed opera, musical theatre, recitals, and concerts throughout the US, Europe, Canada and South America. Martin, who also portrays George Washington in the show, is a celebrated operatic performer whose graced many stages with credits that include roles such as Colline (La Bohème), Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro), Ramfis (Aida), Balthazar (Amahl and the Night Visitor), and Jake (Porgy and Bess).
James Nicholas created the Role of Phillip Gardner on the Emmy Award-Winning Series Broadwalk Empire on HBO.
The full stage production of The Crossing is scheduled for December 2026 in Trenton, aligning with the 250th anniversary of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. The production is being co-produced by the Passage Theatre Company and TenCrucialDays.org. This preview concert offers supporters and history lovers an exclusive opportunity to be part of the journey from its earliest stages.
The musical focuses on lesser known heroes of our founding.
Another important character is Jacob Francis, an African American member of the Hunterdon County Militia during the revolution who is the subject of a book by local historian Larry Kidder, an advisor to the show and a past president of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society. Jacob Francis will be portrayed in the show by JP Harris, an accomplished actor and singer who recently starred in The Start Up Musical at The Flea Theater and appeared in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
The production is a joint effort of the creative team and the nonprofit TenCrucialDays.org, which is raising funds to bring the show to the stage, while promoting a petition to support the designation of The Crossing as the official musical of New Jersey. The campaign for official state recognition is already gaining momentum. In May, Franklin Township became the first municipality in New Jersey to pass a resolution in support.
The musical focuses on lesser known heroes of our founding.
Individuals interested in supporting the effort to make The Crossing the official musical of New Jersey can sign a new online petition at thecrossingmusical.com.
The musical focuses on lesser known heroes of our founding.
Mr. Nicholas is a NY based actor and singer, and 1st prize winner of the 2016 Lotte Lenya Singing Competition. Jim has starred in shows off-Broadway, National Tours, and at theatres across the country. He created the Role of Phillip Gardner on the Emmy Award-Winning Series Broadwalk Empire on HBO and has had multiple guest roles in Law & Order, L&O: SVU, Fosse Verdon and more. Jim also works as a private voice and acting instructor in Hamilton NJ. www.schubinstudios.com
Meet the Creatives
John Allen Watts (Composer) brings decades of experience in composing, performing, and producing music across popular and theatrical genres. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, he has developed The Crossing through multiple professional readings. His dynamic, accessible score is designed for both large-scale theatrical and filmed productions.
Jason Huza (Book and Lyrics) is a multidisciplinary writer whose work spans musical theatre, plays, novels, and screenwriting. His musical It Happened in Key West premiered on London’s West End in 2018, and his play Dante’s Omission was a Eugene O’Neill Playwriting Conference semifinalist. His experience supports The Crossing’s planned expansion into a serialized television format in future years.
A preview performance in February earned a standing ovation.
Terry Seggio (Director) has been teaching literacy, directing, and choreographing for over 35 years, the last 23 years in Franklin Township, and has directed or choreographed over 50 shows. She currently serves as the educational consultant for The Crossing and is the Chairperson of the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Project Broadway in NYC bringing her expertise in the Arts to both organizations. Mrs. Seggio continues to coach students privately for theatre auditions and was overjoyed to watch one of her former students win a Tony Award in 2025. She firmly believes all children should experience a standing ovation once in their lifetimes.
An Evening of Patriotism, Artistry, and Hope
The Crossing is more than a musical—it is a tribute to the ideals that forged a nation and the people who carried them forward against overwhelming odds. Audiences are invited to join this extraordinary evening of music, history, and community, and to help launch a production that honors America’s past while inspiring its future.
“Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating courage, creativity, and the enduring American spirit,” said Director Terri Seggio.
The full cast sings at a performance in Franklin.