Be part of the excitement! Join us in bringing Judy Ward's musical Crickets on a Hill to the stage once again to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
The cast of Crickets on a Hill 2018, directed by Anita Minuth,
with musical and orchestral direction by Dave Shuber
with musical and orchestral direction by Dave Shuber
Sheldon Roberts as Ethan and Keith Osborne as Papa Jericho enact a moving scene from Crickets on a Hill 2018
Lillie Anderson and Kathryn Hudgins carry the Mathews VA250
banner during the annual Mathews Christmas Parade
banner during the annual Mathews Christmas Parade
The Richard Henry Lee Chapter, Virginia Society, Sons of the
American Revolution, reenact the Battle of Cricket Hill
American Revolution, reenact the Battle of Cricket Hill
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Crickets on a Hill 2026
Crickets on a Hill 2026
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 Dave 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 Dave Shuber, and will be available for public enjoyment and education during next year's semiquincentennial celebration.
The VA250 Committee is seeking sponsors to help fund the following:
To become a part of these efforts, contact Joe Syslo, Mathews VA250 Committee treasurer and Crickets on a Hill project director, at 804-725-6590 or send a donation to PO Box 853, Mathews, VA 23109.
Donations may also be made through the Court House Players by clicking here.
Judy, a Mathews native and lifelong resident, collaborated with her singing partner Dave 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 Dave Shuber, and will be available for public enjoyment and education during next year's semiquincentennial celebration.
The VA250 Committee is seeking sponsors to help fund the following:
- Script and score modernization for professional performance.
- Costumes, set design and fabrication for multiple performances.
- Educational companion materials and local history outreach.
To become a part of these efforts, contact Joe Syslo, Mathews VA250 Committee treasurer and Crickets on a Hill project director, at 804-725-6590 or send a donation to PO Box 853, Mathews, VA 23109.
Donations may also be made through the Court House Players by clicking here.
The cast has been selected; several parts are still open
We're excited about the cast of CHP veterans and talented newcomers we have assembled for the musical Crickets on a Hill, which is being performed in July as part of Mathews County's VA250 celebration.
Look through the cast list, shown at left, and surely you'll recognize some of the names, both young and old.
Crickets is a peek into local colonial life, populated by fictional and factual characters. It tells the story of Colonial forces driving out the last Royal Governor of Virginia in the first skirmish after the Declaration of Independence was signed--a land/sea battle that took place in what is today Mathews County.
Judy Ward’s original story centers on Ethan (played by Hunter Owens), a young man torn between his love of Virginia and a future at Oxford Law School in England. Also weighing on his mind is his budding romance with Amy (portrayed by Rylee Amaral). The young couple is surrounded by community members, British soldiers, and Virginia Militia men.
Crickets has been performed twice since it was written in 1976 for the American Bicentennial, but this expanded version brings new characters and an expanded storyline to Judy's beloved story and music.
Look through the cast list, shown at left, and surely you'll recognize some of the names, both young and old.
Crickets is a peek into local colonial life, populated by fictional and factual characters. It tells the story of Colonial forces driving out the last Royal Governor of Virginia in the first skirmish after the Declaration of Independence was signed--a land/sea battle that took place in what is today Mathews County.
Judy Ward’s original story centers on Ethan (played by Hunter Owens), a young man torn between his love of Virginia and a future at Oxford Law School in England. Also weighing on his mind is his budding romance with Amy (portrayed by Rylee Amaral). The young couple is surrounded by community members, British soldiers, and Virginia Militia men.
Crickets has been performed twice since it was written in 1976 for the American Bicentennial, but this expanded version brings new characters and an expanded storyline to Judy's beloved story and music.
Parts still available
We are still seeking one adult, male or female, to portray a previously enslaved person who is a parental figure to the main character.
We also need more men of all ages, from teens to elderly, as well as additional women.
We also need more men of all ages, from teens to elderly, as well as additional women.