New Musical About Washington's Delaware Crossing to Preview at Hopewell Valley Stage

HOPEWELL, NJ - A new musical reimagining George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River — and the ten crucial days that helped turn the American Revolution — will preview at Hopewell Valley Stage on June 20, marking the 250th anniversary of one of New Jersey's most consequential moments in history.

"The Crossing" tells the story of Washington's Christmas night 1776 crossing into what is now Hopewell Township, and the stunning victories at Trenton and Princeton that followed. Two show times are scheduled for June 20 — 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $65 and are available at HVStage.org.

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The 60-minute concert preview falls on Juneteenth weekend and centers on two African American patriots whose stories are often overlooked: Jacob Francis, a central New Jersey man who served in the Hunterdon County Militia, and William "Billy" Lee, George Washington's valet and constant companion. The production 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 composer John Allen Watts, who also serves as a musical director at The Lucy Moses School in New York City.

The musical centers on Thomas Paine, whose essay "The American Crisis" — opening with the immortal line "These are the times that try men's souls" — helped inspire the troops ahead of the Trenton victory. Paine is played by James Nicholas, known for his role as Phillip Gardner on the Emmy Award-winning HBO series "Boardwalk Empire," with additional credits on "Law & Order" and "Fosse/Verdon."

Martin Hargrove, a celebrated operatic performer whose credits include roles in "La Bohème," "Le Nozze di Figaro," "Aida" and "Porgy and Bess," portrays both Billy Lee and George Washington. Jacob Francis is played by 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." Francis is also the subject of a book by local historian Larry Kidder, an advisor to the production and past president of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society.

Roger S. Williams, a founder of TenCrucialDays.org, called the historical moment central to New Jersey's identity. "The story of the crossing and the victories at Trenton and Princeton is New Jersey's most important and famous contribution to American history," he said.

The Hopewell preview is a joint production of Hopewell Valley Stage and TenCrucialDays.org, which is raising funds to mount a full world premiere at the Patriots Theater in Trenton on Dec. 26, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Trenton. The organization is also backing a petition to designate "The Crossing" as the official musical of New Jersey. Franklin Township became the first municipality in the state to pass a resolution in support of that effort in May.

Residents interested in supporting the designation can sign a petition at thecrossingmusical.com.

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