As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the Museum of the Bible is inviting audiences behind the scenes of the American Revolution with “A General’s Prayer,” a new one-person play exploring George Washington’s faith and resolve during the darkest days of the war.
Starring “Desperate Housewives” and “Good Witch” actor James Denton, the 80-minute production, which runs through July 19, transports audiences to Valley Forge, where the commander of the Continental Army wrestles with doubt, dwindling supplies and the enormous weight of holding together an army and a nation not yet born.
Inspired by Arnold Friberg’s iconic “Prayer at Valley Forge” painting, currently on display at the museum, the play features Washington’s documented speeches, letters and writings with immersive projections and sound design to offer an intimate portrait of America’s first president.
In an interview with The Christian Post, Denton said the role offered a chance to explore one of history’s most revered and often misunderstood figures, though he initially questioned whether Washington would make for compelling theater.
“I would not have chosen Washington. Washington chose me, or the writer did,” Denton told The Christian Post. “I said, ‘Couldn’t it be Ben Franklin or John Adams or somebody with a lot of personality that would be funny?’ I knew it would be a challenge making it interesting for 80 minutes because he was so reserved and so stoic. You want to give people the Washington they expect and still interject enough humor and personality to make it fun.”
The production also marked a first for the veteran actor: a one-man show. Before accepting the role, Denton said he tested himself by memorizing the opening pages of the script.
“It’s as if someone handed you a novel and said, ‘Memorize the first 50 pages,'” he said. “It’s 49 pages, just me, and no cues. … It’s kind of lonely. Usually in a play you have the whole cast in the dressing room. … It’s weird coming off stage, and it’s just me by myself. But at this stage of my life, you don’t get to do many things that you’re kind of afraid of, so I jumped at it.”
The play arrives as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary and amid renewed public interest in Washington’s life, fueled in part by recent historical films, like Angel’s “Young Washington,” which already has a sequel in the works, and productions.
“I think there’s a sort of focus on U.S. history,” Denton said. “Washington really hasn’t been done that much.”
Rather than presenting the first president as an untouchable icon, the play portrays him wrestling with fear, exhaustion and uncertainty during one of the darkest chapters of the Revolutionary War.
“It was fun to dig into Washington, especially spiritually,” Denton said, adding that Washington had a complex faith that is often oversimplified in today’s political and cultural debates.
“I think people want to believe what they want to believe,” Denton said.
He noted that Washington spent his life in the Anglican Church, served as a church warden and regularly attended worship services while traveling. At the same time, Washington rarely spoke publicly about Jesus, instead referring to God as “Providence,” “the benign Parent of the human race,” and “the great Architect.”
“We know he was a Christian of some sort,” Denton said. “He certainly wasn’t a Deist, because Deists don’t believe that God intervenes in our lives. … But I think [the Washingtons] were very private. Anglicans specifically were very private about their faith.”
The play itself depicts a commander who likely turned to prayer while facing seemingly impossible odds. Using historically documented letters, speeches and writings, the production also portrays a leader desperate for supplies from Congress, worried about the survival of the Continental Army and longing to return home to his wife, Martha.
“At Valley Forge, at the end of his rope, he probably did, knowing his history, get down on his knees more than once because he thought they were dead,” Denton said. “We never see that portrait of him because he’s always been presented as so stoic. He really was very insecure and wondered if the country was going to survive another month.”
The production also features immersive projections, sound design and visual effects that place audiences in the Valley Forge encampment, complete with snowfall, tents and battlefield imagery.
“We knew 80 minutes of just me probably wasn’t interesting enough,” Denton joked. “It’s very immersive.”
One of Denton’s favorite moments comes near the conclusion, when Washington reflects on his hopes for the nation’s future using words drawn directly from the historical record. The speech often prompts audience members to respond with “Amen,” Denton said.
“It’s about how he thinks our leaders should demonstrate behaviors worthy of emulation, how we should treat people who dwell in other countries that may someday come to our own, how we’re known by our love for one another, and we shouldn’t be divided,” he said. “I get a lot of ‘amens,’ just like it’s a sermon.”
Ultimately, Denton hopes audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for both Washington and the complexity of history. More importantly, the actor emphasized he also hopes viewers leave inspired by Washington’s enduring call to justice and unity.
“I think maybe that everything is not what you were taught in school,” he said. “Don’t believe everything you were taught or your preconceived notions.”
“I hope this inspiration that’s been breathed upon me is somehow transferable,” Denton said. “That you take it with you, and that helps the nation.”
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
