The National Anthem is a new one-man musical comedy about the fascinating American who wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner.” Francis Scott Key's unwavering and sometimes unorthodox opinions on social matters as well as his unique and often unappreciated relationship with poetry is showcased in this 90-minute mix of lyrics and laughs. You’ll snicker in your knickers and cackle in your cloak as you discover more about the man whose name we all know… but whose history is a mystery.

2024

Penn Station Theatre - Arthur, Ill / August - October

www.PennStationTheatre.com

Springhouse Theatre - Smyrna, TN / October 12

https://springhousetheatre.com/springhouse-blackbox/

**Unfortunately, this venue is not handicap accessible.**

Mockingbird Theatre - Franklin, TN / November 20-21

https://cur8.com/projects/AboutTheTown

WRITER/COMPOSER - Wally Nason

PRODUCER/MARKETING IN ILLINOIS - 

Cassie Yoder

PRODUCTION TRACKS - 

Blair Masters & Dennis Dearing

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - 

Joel Farabee

DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING IN TENNESSEE - 

Catherine Birdsong Boyles

Tennessee - Alexander Weaver

For over a decade, Alexander has been captivated by the magic of theater.

His career has been primarily on the stages of Pennsylvania

theaters where he's shared the spotlight with friends, family and seasoned 

Broadway performers.  Iconic roles like Peter Pan, Charlie Brown, and 

Prince Charming have fueled his passion, and the unwavering support of his loved ones

has been instrumental in his artistic growth.  Alexander's dedication to his craft

shines through, inspiring audiences and leaving a lasting impression. 

He and his family recently moved to the Nashville area and he is excited for the new

artistic opportunities here in the thriving theatrical community.

Illinois - Christopher Hager

Chris Hager has been a professional actor traveling to theatres across the Easter U.S. for nearly a decade. After graduating from Youngstown State University, he was hired in the world premiere of the musical “Stolen.” (Produced by Blue Gate Musicals) Chris has worked additional contracts with Blue Gate, Sight & Sound Theatre, Broadway Palm, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Round Barn Theatre, and was on the first National Tour of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Chris hopes to promote positive stories and lessons in his performances, showcasing what makes life worth living, as well as using the gifts God has given him. He is excited to be the premiere actor in the soon to be classic, “The National Anthem” at Penn Station Theatre.

Writer/Composer, Wally Nason, is the most prolific writer of performed musicals in the country having spent the last 15 years creating 20 original  musicals that have played for over a million thrilled audience members in multiple venues all over the country.  His musicals include HALF-STITCHED, JOSIAH FOR PRESIDENT, HOME GAME, CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE, JOLLY 'OL ST. NICK, and THE CONFESSION MUSICAL featuring John Schneider and Chonda Pierce that can currently be seen on GAITHER+ TV & Amazon Prime after playing in 800 Movie theaters nationwide.

Welcome Today

You’re It

It’s Not What You Know

Perhaps - Lyrics by Francis Scott Key/Music by Wally Nason

*Lord, with Glowing Heart I’d Praise Thee - Lyrics by Francis Scott Key/Music Traditional

*Before the Lord We Bow - Lyrics by Francis Scott key/Music Traditional

What Were We Thinking?

I Ache

Stitches

Free

Sitting On The Edge

*To Anacreon in Heaven - Lyrics and Music by John Stafford Smith

The Nobleman’s Son - Lyrics by Francis Scott Key/Music by Wally Nason

Star-Spangled Banner - Lyrics by Francis Scott Key/Music by John Stafford Smith

*All songs by Wally Nason unless otherwise noted.

"I've had the opportunity to see many of Wally Nason's musicals... and I am always blown away.  His choice of stories and the way he integrates the music is brilliant.  His songs are funny, emotional, memorable, and inspire  'can't wait to hear it again' conversation.  The National Anthem is no exception! " Cassie Yoder - Cass Concepts Productions

"The National Anthem Musical explores a controversial but important part of American history, and Wally Nason takes great care in how it's presented, providing as much context as possible.  I appreciate how the piece tells our history without glossing over or completely ignoring some of the harsher bits." Deonté Warren - Musical Theatre Professor (Austin Peay University/Texas State University) & performer (Alladin on Broadway, Dreamgirls National tour, and Sister Act National Tour!)

"After reading Wally Nason’s The National Anthem Musical script, I was struck by his ability to create a factual and fascinating story that even includes humor in many different situations. This show about how Francis Scott Key wrote the words that became ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ will be a great work for audiences of all ages to learn about the life of an important figure in our country’s history in a way that will be entertaining and won’t soon be forgotten."

--Marc Leepson, journalist, historian, and the author of What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life