Princeton, NJ Entertainment Guide Announcement
Preview of New Revolutionary Musical Comes to Hopewell Valley Stage June 20th
The Crossing: A Revolutionary New Musical—Book & Lyrics by Jason Huza, Music by John Allen Watts, Directed by Terri Seggio —Features Black Patriots and Thomas Paine
JUNE 2, 2026 — 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 at Hopewell Valley Stage on June 20th.
Falling on Juneteenth weekend, the 60-minute concert preview performance highlights 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 at HVStage.org. The Hopewell preview is supported by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, Princeton Battlefield Society, and Morven Museum & Garden.
"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."
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 played by James Nicholas, a New York-based actor and singer (Phillip Gardner on the Emmy Award-Winning Series Boardwalk Empire on HBO, guest starring credits on "Law and Order," "Fosse/Verdon," and more).
Also featured are two important African American figures from the historical record, including William "Billy" Lee, General Washington's valet and constant companion. Both Lee and Washington are portrayed by Martin Hargrove, a celebrated operatic performer whose roles have included Colline (La Bohème), Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro), Ramfis (Aida), Balthazar (Amahl and the Night Visitor), and Jake (Porgy and Bess).
Jacob Francis, an African American member of the Hunterdon County Militia during the Revolution, is the subject of a book by local historian Larry Kidder. Kidder is an advisor to the show and a past president of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society. Jacob Francis will be portrayed in the show by actor JP Ross, who recently starred in The Start Up Musical at The Flea Theater in New York and appeared in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
The production is a joint effort of Hopewell Valley Stage and TenCrucialDays.org, a 501(c)3 sponsored project of Fractured Atlas. TenCrucialDays.org is raising funds to mount a full world premiere production at the Patriots Theater in Trenton on December 26, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton, and is 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.
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.
About Hopewell Valley Stage
A program of Hopewell Valley Arts Council, Hopewell Valley Stage (the Stage) champions local and emerging talent and expands our community's horizons by bringing acclaimed artists to the neighborhood. Follow on instagram @hopewellvalleystage and learn more at hvartscouncil.org.
About TenCrucialDays.org
TenCrucialDays.org is a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to commemorating the pivotal events of December 1776 and January 1777 that saved the American Revolution. For more information, visit tencrucialdays.org and thecrossingmusical.com.
