Crickets on the Hill
A Revolutionary Musical Returns to the Stage
Experience local history brought to life through music, drama, and community theater as Crickets on a Hill returns to the stage in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Presented as part of Mathews County’s VA250 commemoration, this beloved musical by Mathews native Judy Ward tells the story of colonial Virginia during the Revolutionary War, inspired by the events surrounding the Battle of Cricket Hill and the removal of Virginia’s last Royal Governor from Gwynn’s Island in 1776.
Originally written for the American Bicentennial in 1976, Crickets on a Hill blends historical events with fictional characters, humor, romance, and music to create a uniquely local telling of America’s fight for independence. The expanded 2026 production introduces new characters and additional storylines while honoring Judy Ward’s original vision.
The story follows Ethan, a young man torn between his future in England and his loyalty to Virginia, as tensions rise between British forces and Virginia militia during the early days of the Revolution. Audiences will be immersed in colonial life through live performances, music, and dramatic storytelling performed by a cast of local actors and community members.
