A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America

Overview

"The Star-Spangled Banner" is known by all, treasured for its powerful melody and stirring lyrics. And yet, only about 40% of U.S. citizens know all the words. And even fewer know their meaning. Join us as we travel back to 1814, when Washington D.C. was under British attack during the "Second War of Independence," and the very bricks and mortar of American democracy were reduced to smoking rubble. We examine the battle that inspired witness Francis Scott Key to immortalize its final moments, then reveal how his poem transformed into an anthem.

Directed by Molly Hermann

Top cast

Jeff Wilburn

Self - Narrator (voice)

C

Clent Bowers

Self - National Anthem Performer

C

Catherine Purcell

Self - Voice Student

J

Jennifer L. Jones

Self - Curator

Vince Eisenson

Francis Scott Key

C

Cynthia Janzen

Dolly Madison

J

Jim Lyall

James Madison

J

James Bailey

George Armistead

B

Bill Boslego

William Beanes

S

Shannon McLucas

Mary Pickersgill

Details