Spies, Songs, And Washington

Hidden networks. Secret signals on a clothesline. A general who didn’t even know every name that kept him alive. We sit down with composer Christy Stutzman to unveil Ring of Spies, a new musical that brings George Washington’s Culper Ring out of the shadows and onto the stage with period-rich music, meticulous research, and a story that stirs the heart.

We trace the British occupation of New York and Long Island, follow Haim Solomon’s bold blend of languages, finance, and espionage, and meet Robert Townsend and Anna Strong, whose quiet courage turned ordinary life into a codebook. Christy shares the poignant arc of Liz, an enslaved girl whose flight to British lines led to deeper abuse, and the daring rescue that returned her to freedom—proof that the Revolution’s true stories are diverse, complex, and unforgettable. From thwarting counterfeit plots and exposing Benedict Arnold to safeguarding the French fleet, the Culper Ring shows how intelligence, sacrifice, and faith shaped victory as surely as battlefield tactics.

Designed for a two-hour-twenty run with twenty-three original songs, Ring of Spies honors history without lecturing and embraces craft without compromise. With Kennedy Center dates locked for September 14–20 and plans to license nationwide, the production aims to give schools and community theaters a powerful, values-centered show that sells tickets because it’s excellent and earns trust because it’s true. We talk premiere possibilities, research partnerships, and why reclaiming space on the stage matters for the nation’s 250th.

Ready to see history sing and courage echo? Listen now, share with a friend who loves theater or the American founding, and subscribe so you don’t miss updates on premiere cities, ticket links, and licensing opportunities. Then tell us: which unsung Revolutionary hero would you spotlight next?

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