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HELL, OR HADLEYBURG

a musical in one act

Music by Natalie Rebecca Lovejoy

Book and Lyrics by Donald A. Connolly

Inspired by the short story "The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg"

by Mark Twain

About

Hadleyburg is a small town in the late 19th century which enjoys the reputation of being "incorruptible." Its citizens consider themselves exceptional in their honesty and avoidance of temptation based on the location of their birth alone. However, when the council decides to fire their preacher to save money - such an incorruptible town has no need of a preacher anyway! - a strange letter arrives to the council members that will reveal the true nature of the citizens of Hadleyburg.

Exploring the idea of American Exceptionalism, hypocrisy, and greed, Hadleyburg is a story that resonates just as much today as it did when it was published over a hundred years ago.

Hell, or Hadleyburg received in virtual reading in 2020 and another in 2021 with members of the Victorian Lyric Opera Company in Rockville, Maryland., and had its first staged reading at The Catholic University of America's Rome School of Music, Drama and Art in February 2025.

If you are a producer and/or theater company who is interested in being part of the development of Hell, or Hadleyburg, please reach out through the Contact page.

Songs

Musical Numbers

1. Hadleyburg            

2. Invocation                                                                         

3. Little White Church on the Hill                          

4. That Would Take a Miracle                                             

5. Bitter Evening                                                                   

6. No One Else Knows                                                         

7. Mr. Almost                                                                        

8. Hadleyburg (Reprise)                                          

9. The Money Song                                                              

10. Saving Goodson                                                            

11. The Money Song (Reprise)                                            

12. Make Way, Make Way                                                  

13. Prayer for Hadleyburg  

14. Wouldn't You?                                                 

15. Pass the Hat                                                                   

16. I’ll Know I Know                                                             

17. Nothin’ A-Body Can Do                                               

18. When the Wheel Comes Full Turn                

19. Finale

Song Selections 

Featured track: "I'll Know I Know"
Performed by Sarah Robinson and David Merrill
I'll Know I Know
00:00 / 04:01
In "I'll Know I Know" the last "incorruptible" man in Hadleyburg must decide between revealing the truth about himself or preserving his false reputation.

Production Photos

from the staged reading  at the Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama and Art

February 23, 2025

Videos

The full reading of  Hell, or Hadleyburg  at the Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama and Art

February 23, 2025

© 2024 by NATALIE REBECCA LOVEJOY

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