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.
THE TOUR/TICKETS
2026
June, 17 - Franklin, TN
Williamson County Performing Arts Center
More middle TN dates to come soon!
THE TEAM
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
THE TALENT
Tennessee - Daniel Stargel
After studying voice with renowned mezzo-soprano Beverly Wolff at Florida Southern College, Daniel Stargel spent nearly two decades as a professional artist, directing and performing in venues from Florida to Alaska. Some notable credits include performances in "South Pacific," "Into the Woods", "Tartuffe", "Footloose", and "Godspell". Additionally, he was a member of the premiere casts of "Jesus" and "Queen Esther" at Sight and Sound Theatres in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Mr. Stargel holds an MFA in Drama (Acting) from The University of North Carolina Greensboro, and has taken classes with Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, and Marvin Hamlisch. He has also worked onstage with Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, and Jason Robert Brown. His favorite roles, though, will forever be husband to his wife, Rachel, and dad to their six children. Away from the stage, he enjoys time with his family watching sports, playing games, and being outdoors. Daniel is passionate about his faith in Jesus and the power of storytelling, and he is energized by theatre's ability to create experiences that are enjoyable, meaningful, and thought-provoking for audiences of all ages.
Tennessee Tech Team
John and Liz Connely
The Scoop
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, MUSIC CITY MELODY 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.
The Songs
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.
The Songs
"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 Story
"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!)
The Story
"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