ROCKIN’ – The Secrets of Plymouth Rock
A heartwarming classroom musical based on The Secrets of Plymouth Rock by Diane L. Finn, with songs by Candido Bretto. Plymouth Rock finally gets to tell its side of the story!
Join our students as they bring history to life with catchy songs, colorful characters, and an imaginative retelling of the Pilgrims’ arrival in Plymouth.
About the Musical
Long before tourists came with cameras and cell phones, Plymouth Rock sat alone by the sea, wishing for a friend. One day a tiny speck on the horizon grew into a ship that would change its life forever.
Rockin’ – The Secrets of Plymouth Rock invites students and families to hear the rock’s own story — from loneliness and danger to pride and celebration — through narration, humor, and twelve original songs.
The show is designed for elementary performers (especially grades 3–5) and works beautifully on a gym, cafetorium, or classroom stage, and The Secrets of Plymouth Rock and Rockin’ the Secrets of Plymouth Rock align with the Massachusetts History & Social Science Curriculum Framework (2018). The Standards Alignment Table provides districts with an at-a-glance view of which Grade 3 content standards and History/Social Science Practices are addressed, the strength of alignment, and notes where supplemental materials enhance coverage.
- Running time: ~25–30 minutes
- Flexible cast size
- Simple costumes & props
- Perfect for social studies tie-ins
Courage, community, local history, empathy, and the idea that even something as “ordinary” as a rock can become an important symbol.
Song List
Featuring twelve original songs by Candido Bretto:
Characters & Cast
The musical offers plenty of roles so that many students can participate. Some of the featured characters include:
- Plymouth Rock (the storyteller)
- Narrators
- Mr. Seagull
- Madame Crab & Little Crabs
- Pilgrims & Colonists
- Town Fathers
- Museum Guide & Modern Kids
Teacher & Family Resources
Our production team has prepared several helpful resources to support rehearsal and to help families follow along at home.
- PDF Teacher Edition Script Includes script, basic staging notes, song cues, and audition sides. Preview the script Preview Planning and Classroom Support
- PDF Student Script & Lyrics Booklet Clean version for student performers. Preview Student Booklet
- PDF Lead Sheet Booklet Sheet-music-style lyric pages (includes melody & chords). Preview the Lead Sheet Booklet
- PDF Program & Show Materials Program booklet, costume/prop guide, rehearsal schedule. Preview Program Pack
- MP4 Video Rehearsal Materials 12 song karaoke lyrics video with lead vocal and backing tracks. Preview Karaoke Video.
- MP3 Audio Rehearsal & Performance Materials 12 songs in Mp3 file format with backing tracks. Instruments only. No voices. Preview Backing Tracks.
What’s included with “Rockin’ The Secrets of Plymouth Rock”
Resources are designed to support music teachers, classroom teachers, and administrators who want a meaningful, student-centered performance experience. Visit our Plymouth Rock Education Resource Index to discover how the musical aligns with state requirements. Introduces Patuxet homeland; Indigenous-perspective supplements available.
For music teachers
- Optional backing tracks for each song (no lead vocal) for rehearsals and performances.
- Clear, school-friendly license agreement for one-year renewable use.
- Optional lead-vocal reference audio for students who like to practice at home.
- Flexible performance options: one song, a mini-program, or a full musical experience.
For classrooms & families
- Story connections to “The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” book and local New England history.
- Opportunities for narration, acting, and cross-curricular projects.
- Age-appropriate songs about community, belonging, and working together.
- Memorable performance that families and students talk about long after the concert.