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
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