Featured musical

A musical by John Van Geem

One Thousand Words

One Thousand Words is an exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship set against the backdrop of 1940s America. The story follows two young friends, Warren and Daniel, who forge an unbreakable bond amidst the harsh realities of life—from a coal mining town to New York City to a world at war—leading them on a journey of self-discovery. Through the framework of a present-day journalist interviewing an elderly Warren, the story unfolds, revealing the impact their experiences had on their lives and the legacy of their relationship.

2026Voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar, and theatrical ensemble (six-piece band arrangements)23 musical numbers22 with PDF scores

Broadway-edit score materials from John Van Geem's developing musical, including ensemble arrangements for voice, violin, cello, and acoustic guitar. Peruse the full song list, instrumentation, and PDF scores below.

Song list

Broadway-edit order — tap a score to open the PDF.

  1. 1

    Story of Stories (Overture)

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  2. 2a

    Mountain's Hymn

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  3. 3

    There I'd Be

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  4. 4

    Here Today

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  5. 5

    A Way to Love You

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  6. 6

    You Will See

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  7. 7

    The Savoy

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  8. 8

    There I'd Be (Reprise)

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  9. 9

    While I'm Away

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  10. 10

    Promise

    Act ISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  11. 11

    Entr'acte + Daniel's Fall

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  12. 11b

    Daniel's Fall

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  13. 12

    Eyes on the Prize

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  14. 12b

    Battle Sequence

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  15. 13

    To See You Again

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  16. 14

    Shelter

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  17. 16

    Not Close, But Not Far

    Act IIVoice and piano (NAMT selection)
  18. 19

    You Will See (Reprise)

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  19. 20a

    Finale

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  20. 20b

    Final Bows

    Act IISix-piece ensemble: voice, violin, cello, acoustic guitar
    Score forthcoming
  21. Intro & Outros (Part 1)

    UnderscoreSix-piece ensemble: violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  22. Intro & Outros (Part 2)

    UnderscoreSix-piece ensemble: violin, cello, acoustic guitar
  23. Intro & Outro (Part 3)

    UnderscoreSix-piece ensemble: violin, cello, acoustic guitar

Show packet

Overview and introductory materials for the musical.

  • One Thousand Words — Introduction (PDF)

    Overview and project introduction.

Characters

Principal roles in the current dramatic draft.

  • Warren — coal-town youth who becomes a storyteller
  • Daniel — Warren's closest friend
  • Elizabeth — pivotal relationship in Warren's journey
  • Richard — featured vocalist (Story of Stories)
  • Virginia — featured vocalist (The Savoy)
  • Journalist — present-day interviewer framing the narrative

Promo reel

Concept and promotional video.

One Thousand Words (Promo)

Composition

Watch on YouTube

Production notes

  • Score PDFs are sourced from the Broadway Edit workshop materials and NAMT submission scores where noted.
  • Audio demos and full cast recordings can be added in a future import pass.
  • For licensing, workshop, or production inquiries, use the contact page.