Script, Music and Lyrics by MICHAEL TENNANT
The Cast: 10-15
The Set: Simple 1 or 2 unit set
Approximate Length: 1 act, 1 hr
This musical will recount the story of the remarkable true story of George Washington Carver, a humble man born in slavery. Carver, through his research and educational efforts at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, revolutionized the practice of agriculture in the South and thereby made it possible for many African-Americans of his generation to make their living. Best known for his work with the peanut and the sweet potato, Carver not only encouraged farmers to plant the crops because they would help restore the cotton-ravaged soil of the South, but also helped create more than 300 products derived from the peanut and more than 120 from the sweet potato that would ensure a market for those crops. He also encouraged farmers in the South to practice crop rotation. Ever a humble man with a deep Christian faith, Carver was honored both in life and after his death in 1943 by Presidents, industrialists such as Henry Ford, and the many humble farmers whose lives he enriched.
Young George Washington Carver
Sue – George’s “aunt,” a former slave owner who raised George as her own
Nancy – Hotel manager who hires George as a cook
Sam – Cotton Farmer
George Carver – white man who happens to have the same name as title character
George Washington Carver – African/American inventor
Billy – Bully who harasses George
Bob – Bully who harasses George
SUPPORTING ROLES
Secretary, Headmaster, Shopkeeper, Officer, Pastor, Agricultural Specialist, Mayor, Farmers, Other Townsfolk.
1. “Dark Days for our Country” – Chorus
2. “The Tree of Knowledge” – George
3. “Uphill Battle” – George, Chorus
4. “George’s Lullaby” – George, Nancy
5. “The Escape” – George, Billy, Bob
“Dark Days” (Reprise) – Chorus
6. “Finale” – Chorus
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