Cast members of The Crossing visit the gravesite of Jacob Francis, a Flemington Patriot of color.
Revolutionary New Musical, The Crossing, Coming to Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse Next Month
September 25 & 26 Shows will be a Homecoming for Jacob Francis, a Black Patriot Who Obtained His Revolutionary Pension in Same Building
AUGUST 31, 2026 — The Crossing, a new musical that tells New Jersey’s most important Revolutionary War story, is coming to the Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse for workshop performances on September 25 and 26. In three 60-minute shows, audiences will experience music and drama related to ten crucial days when the Continental Army famously crossed the Delaware River and won major battles at Trenton and Princeton.
The show features some untold stories of ordinary Patriots, like Flemington’s Jacob Francis, a Black man who participated in those early victories before returning home where he applied successfully for his Revolutionary War pension in the same Hunterdon County Courthouse where the show is being performed.
It is a great honor to give Jacob Francis this symbolic homecoming in Flemington,” said JP Ross, who portrays him. In the poignant song “I Am Going Home,” Jacob, after serving a 10-year indenture and then crossing the Delaware with Washington as a Continental soldier, completes his enlistment and returns to Amwell, NJ, uncertain whether he still has a home—or even a mother—to return to. He later settles in Flemington, where he becomes a respected member of the community.
The workshop performances are being supported, in part, by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission. General admission tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at thecrossingmusical.com/events. Show times are Friday September 25 at 7:30pm and Saturday the 26th at 3pm and 7:30pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performances.
Featuring book and lyrics by Jason Huza and music by John Allen Watts, The Crossing tells the dramatic story of the desperate days surrounding Washington's legendary crossing of the Delaware River. The Flemington performances are directed by Terri Seggio.
"The Crossing isn't simply about George Washington," said composer John Allen Watts. "It tells the story of the ordinary men and women—Black and white, free and enslaved, soldiers and civilians—whose courage, sacrifice, and determination helped give birth to a nation. We want audiences to see themselves in this story."
At the heart of the musical is Thomas Paine, played by James Nicholas, whose immortal words from The American Crisis—"These are the times that try men's souls"—helped inspire a weary Continental Army at one of its darkest moments. The show also highlights the story of "Billy" Lee, Washington's trusted valet and companion. Washington and Lee are both performed by Martin Hargrove.
Rather than a finished production, this special workshop invites audiences into the creative process, presenting a large excerpt in an intimate concert-style format. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the development of a major new American musical while experiencing many of its most compelling songs, characters, and dramatic moments.
"The Crossing brings history to life through the emotional power of musical theatre," said book writer and lyricist Jason Huza. "Our goal is not only to entertain audiences, but to reconnect them with the remarkable people whose choices shaped the nation we know today."
The production has been developed in collaboration with leading Revolutionary War historians and educators and serves as the centerpiece of a broader educational initiative designed to inspire civic engagement through history. In addition to the full-scale production, the creative team has developed classroom resources throughout New Jersey and beyond.
Roger S. Williams, founder of TenCrucialDays.org and co-producer of the project, believes the musical arrives at exactly the right moment.
"As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, there is no better time to celebrate New Jersey's pivotal role in American independence," Williams said. "The Crossing reminds us that the victories at Trenton and Princeton renewed hope for the American cause and forever changed history."
Momentum continues to build around the project beyond the stage. The producers have adapted the show as a teaching tool for schoolchildren and the team is working to designate The Crossing as the Official State Musical of New Jersey, recognizing the state's central role in the Revolutionary War. Municipal resolutions supporting the effort are already being adopted across the state.
The workshop presentation offers audiences an opportunity to experience the musical while helping shape its journey toward a world premiere in New Jersey.
For performance information, tickets, or to support the production and sign the petition to designate The Crossing as New Jersey's Official State Musical, visit TheCrossingMusical.com.
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.
About the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission
Production support has been provided by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission. Learn more about Hunterdon history at HuntHistory.org. Learn more about the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission at https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/411/Cultural-Heritage