Echoes of the Revolution: Shadows Rise Original Rock Musical Brings the Culper Spy Ring to Life in St. James
Supported by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation and the Three Village Historical Society, the original production blends history, music, and innovation to celebrate Long Island's Revolutionary legacy.
By Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts
July 24, 2026
When the lights dimmed inside the historic Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts, audiences were transported into the secret world of the Culper Spy Ring through an original rock musical unlike anything the community had seen before.
Over three sold-out performances, Shadows Rise captivated audiences with soaring vocals, cinematic projections, immersive storytelling, and a powerful reminder that some of America's greatest heroes walked the very streets of Long Island. Blending live theater with original rock music and innovative multimedia, the production proved that local history can be both educational and unforgettable.
The journey began with a simple request.
As communities across the nation prepared to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, Village of Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith approached Celebrate St. James President Natalie Weinstein with an idea: create an original theatrical production honoring Long Island's Revolutionary War heroes.
Rather than producing a traditional historical drama, Weinstein conceived the production, directed its creative vision, and assembled an inspired team that included Carolyn Benson, whose original music, lyrics, and creative collaboration gave the story its emotional heartbeat; Paul Mahos, whose immersive multimedia and video design transformed the stage into the world of Revolutionary espionage; and the talented cast, technical team, and leadership of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre. Together, they brought to life the extraordinary story of ordinary Long Islanders whose courage, sacrifice, and quiet acts of espionage helped General George Washington defeat the British and ultimately change the course of American history.
Working together, Weinstein, Benson, and Mahos blended historical research, original music, multimedia, and emerging technology to create an immersive theatrical experience unlike any other. Artificial intelligence served as a creative tool—not to replace creativity, but to expand it—allowing the team to create sweeping visual environments while keeping the production portable enough to travel to theaters, schools, museums, and community venues with minimal staging.
The production was made possible in part through the generous support of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which awarded Celebrate St. James a $5,000 grant to help bring Shadows Rise to the stage. Additional support was provided by the Three Village Historical Society, which generously funded the production's playbills and partnered with Celebrate St. James by donating Tri-Spy Tours as part of the show's fundraising efforts. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Long Island's Revolutionary history through innovative educational and cultural experiences, ensuring these important local stories continue to inspire future generations.
Guiding audiences through the unfolding story was Lighthouse Repertory Theatre founder Tony Chiofalo, whose narration seamlessly connected the historical events while Lighthouse's talented cast and technical team brought the legendary members of the Culper Spy Ring vividly to life through compelling performances and Benson's dramatic contemporary rock score.
What audiences experienced over one unforgettable weekend was the result of an extraordinary collaborative effort completed in just a few short months. Working against an ambitious timeline, local artists, performers, technicians, volunteers, historians, and community partners united behind a shared vision—bringing Long Island's Revolutionary history to life in a fresh, exciting, and unforgettable way.
The audience response spoke for itself.
Guests left asking where they could purchase the music, bringing friends back to see the show again, and suggesting the production be shared with local history classrooms. For the creative team, there could be no greater compliment. Their goal was never simply to tell the story of the Culper Spy Ring—it was to help audiences connect with it emotionally and discover that history can be experienced, not just remembered.
The experience extended beyond the stage through a creative fundraising initiative. During each performance, audience members bid on the opportunity to enjoy a historical "date" with one of the Revolutionary characters portrayed by the actors. Each winning bidder received a guided Tri-Spy Tour, generously donated by the Three Village Historical Society, allowing guests to step beyond the theater and explore the very landscapes where the Culper Spy Ring once carried out its secret mission. This unique partnership further connected the theatrical experience with the region's authentic Revolutionary history.
For Celebrate St. James, Shadows Rise represents more than a successful production. It demonstrates what is possible when artists, historians, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and community partners unite around a shared vision. Together, they preserved history, embraced innovation, and created an experience that educated, inspired, and entertained audiences of all ages.
Following its sold-out premiere, interest continues to grow from educators, museums, theaters, historical societies, and community organizations eager to experience the production. With its immersive multimedia design and minimal staging requirements, Shadows Rise is ready for its next chapter.
Interested in bringing Shadows Rise to your theater, school, museum, historical society, or community venue? We'd love to share this unique production with you. Contact: [email protected]
July 24, 2026
When the lights dimmed inside the historic Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts, audiences were transported into the secret world of the Culper Spy Ring through an original rock musical unlike anything the community had seen before.
Over three sold-out performances, Shadows Rise captivated audiences with soaring vocals, cinematic projections, immersive storytelling, and a powerful reminder that some of America's greatest heroes walked the very streets of Long Island. Blending live theater with original rock music and innovative multimedia, the production proved that local history can be both educational and unforgettable.
The journey began with a simple request.
As communities across the nation prepared to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, Village of Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith approached Celebrate St. James President Natalie Weinstein with an idea: create an original theatrical production honoring Long Island's Revolutionary War heroes.
Rather than producing a traditional historical drama, Weinstein conceived the production, directed its creative vision, and assembled an inspired team that included Carolyn Benson, whose original music, lyrics, and creative collaboration gave the story its emotional heartbeat; Paul Mahos, whose immersive multimedia and video design transformed the stage into the world of Revolutionary espionage; and the talented cast, technical team, and leadership of Lighthouse Repertory Theatre. Together, they brought to life the extraordinary story of ordinary Long Islanders whose courage, sacrifice, and quiet acts of espionage helped General George Washington defeat the British and ultimately change the course of American history.
Working together, Weinstein, Benson, and Mahos blended historical research, original music, multimedia, and emerging technology to create an immersive theatrical experience unlike any other. Artificial intelligence served as a creative tool—not to replace creativity, but to expand it—allowing the team to create sweeping visual environments while keeping the production portable enough to travel to theaters, schools, museums, and community venues with minimal staging.
The production was made possible in part through the generous support of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which awarded Celebrate St. James a $5,000 grant to help bring Shadows Rise to the stage. Additional support was provided by the Three Village Historical Society, which generously funded the production's playbills and partnered with Celebrate St. James by donating Tri-Spy Tours as part of the show's fundraising efforts. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Long Island's Revolutionary history through innovative educational and cultural experiences, ensuring these important local stories continue to inspire future generations.
Guiding audiences through the unfolding story was Lighthouse Repertory Theatre founder Tony Chiofalo, whose narration seamlessly connected the historical events while Lighthouse's talented cast and technical team brought the legendary members of the Culper Spy Ring vividly to life through compelling performances and Benson's dramatic contemporary rock score.
What audiences experienced over one unforgettable weekend was the result of an extraordinary collaborative effort completed in just a few short months. Working against an ambitious timeline, local artists, performers, technicians, volunteers, historians, and community partners united behind a shared vision—bringing Long Island's Revolutionary history to life in a fresh, exciting, and unforgettable way.
The audience response spoke for itself.
Guests left asking where they could purchase the music, bringing friends back to see the show again, and suggesting the production be shared with local history classrooms. For the creative team, there could be no greater compliment. Their goal was never simply to tell the story of the Culper Spy Ring—it was to help audiences connect with it emotionally and discover that history can be experienced, not just remembered.
The experience extended beyond the stage through a creative fundraising initiative. During each performance, audience members bid on the opportunity to enjoy a historical "date" with one of the Revolutionary characters portrayed by the actors. Each winning bidder received a guided Tri-Spy Tour, generously donated by the Three Village Historical Society, allowing guests to step beyond the theater and explore the very landscapes where the Culper Spy Ring once carried out its secret mission. This unique partnership further connected the theatrical experience with the region's authentic Revolutionary history.
For Celebrate St. James, Shadows Rise represents more than a successful production. It demonstrates what is possible when artists, historians, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and community partners unite around a shared vision. Together, they preserved history, embraced innovation, and created an experience that educated, inspired, and entertained audiences of all ages.
Following its sold-out premiere, interest continues to grow from educators, museums, theaters, historical societies, and community organizations eager to experience the production. With its immersive multimedia design and minimal staging requirements, Shadows Rise is ready for its next chapter.
Interested in bringing Shadows Rise to your theater, school, museum, historical society, or community venue? We'd love to share this unique production with you. Contact: [email protected]
About Shadows Rise
Set against the backdrop of Long Island's legendary Culper Spy Ring, Shadows Rise is an original rock musical that brings one of America's most fascinating espionage stories to life. Created by local artists Natalie Weinstein, Carolyn Benson, and Paul Mahos in honor of America's 250th Anniversary, the production blends live theater, original music, immersive video, and innovative AI-assisted creative tools to tell a powerful story of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom.
Presented by Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts and partially funded by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Shadows Rise offers a fresh and imaginative look at the hidden heroes who helped shape our nation's future.
Playbill Sponsors
Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of Tri-Spy Tours and the Three Village Historical Society for their generous sponsorship of the Shadows Rise playbill. We are grateful for their support and their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the remarkable history of the Culper Spy Ring and the Three Village community.
Presented by Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts and partially funded by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Shadows Rise offers a fresh and imaginative look at the hidden heroes who helped shape our nation's future.
Playbill Sponsors
Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of Tri-Spy Tours and the Three Village Historical Society for their generous sponsorship of the Shadows Rise playbill. We are grateful for their support and their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the remarkable history of the Culper Spy Ring and the Three Village community.