About

The Mathews VA250 Committee and The Court House Players are bringing an exciting new production of Judy Ward's beloved musical to the stage in July 2026 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Judy, a Mathews native and lifelong resident, collaborated with her singing partner David Shuber in 1976 to celebrate the American Bicentennial by bringing to life in music and dialogue the story of what might have happened when a determined group of local patriots, led by General Andrew Lewis of the Continental Army and various militias under his command, engaged in battle with the last British Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, and forced him to flee Virginia. It was the first land-sea battle on American soil after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. During the conflict, Dunmore referred to the colonists as "Crickets on a Hill," giving rise to the name of the musical as well as today's name for the area where the battle took place, Cricket Hill. Like "Yankee Doodle," something spoken in derision became a point of pride among indomitable patriots forming our new nation.

Judy's depiction of these events is a lively, engaging tale full of local color, humor, drama, and romance. Now, the beloved musical is being expanded to include a new introduction and more local color and historical details. It also features rich orchestration by David Shuber, and will be available for public enjoyment and education this July at the Harry M. Ward Auditorium in Mathews, VA.