COAL takes place during the 1920-21 Coal Mine Wars as the United Mine Workers push to unionize the remaining non-union coal fields in southern West Virginia. The story follows workers of the fictional Heron Creek coal mine as they are swept into what will become the largest armed insurrection in US History after the Civil War.
At the heart of the story is Will Foster. A young veteran of both the mine and the Great War, he dreams of a way out of a coal mining life that seems to suffocate any hope of upward mobility. While he schemes with his best friend Jimmy about an invention that will revolutionize the industry (and make them both rich,) an intriguing stranger arrives at Heron Creek: Eli Cooper. Eli is a young, black, headstrong organizer for the United Mine Workers who has been tasked to inspire union support in the traditionally anti-union Logan County. His visit ignites a fire in Charlotte Hayes, a local schoolteacher and daughter of an old Appalachian family. As the play progresses, Charlotte embarks on a journey of labor activism while Will is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his dreams of wealth. Meanwhile, the Heron Creek crew is pulled into a struggle between miners and a brutal, corrupt police force funded by the mine owners.
COAL is a tale of working folk, hope, and the difficult realities of the American Dream. The West Virginia Coal Wars were a fascinating clash of industrial greed against common people of many different cultures, races, and social classes. With a bluegrass and folk-infused score, this musical brings a forgotten American story to life while also celebrating the beauty of culture, love, and resilience in face of overwhelming odds.
Song Samples
About the Writer
Nicholas Connors is a composer/lyricist, Broadway conductor and orchestrator. He is a 2022-23 Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellow and Fred Ebb Award finalist. His stage musicals include COAL (DGF Fellowship), TEN LONG YEARS, SPACE VOYAGE: THE MUSICAL FRONTIER (with Quinn Elmer), and HERE, IN THE PARK. Nicholas’ original songs have been performed by Karen Olivo, Kyle Selig, Jenna Ushkowitz, and many other acclaimed artists. He has been an Artist-in-Residence at New York Stage & Film and The Bring About.
As a musician, Nicholas has worked with Cameron Crowe, Tom Kitt, Stephen Schwartz, Lynn Ahrens, Mary-Mitchell Campbell and other theatre luminaries. He has orchestrated or arranged music for Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, Lea Salonga, Jessica Vosk, and Gavin Creel. His orchestrations have been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, The White House, on PBS, and by many of America’s premier orchestras. Nicholas’ Broadway credits include ALMOST FAMOUS (Asst. Music Director), Kristin Chenoweth’s FOR THE GIRLS (Assoc. Music Director, Orchestrator) and MEAN GIRLS (Pianist). He was also an Associate Music Director for Kristin Bell’s ENCORE! on Disney+. Nicholas is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin.
http://www.nicholas-connors.com/
Instagram: @nick_connors
