The Tea Party

by Angelle Whavers

We all know the story of the Boston Tea Party: the Sons of Liberty valiantly threw British Tea into the Boston Harbor after a vicious hike on the tax of tea. However, history often works to create a linear story in favor of the “winners.” What happens when a playwright decides to tell the true unadulterated version where the Sons of Liberty were so drunk they almost killed a man and sent another one home naked...

We all know the story of the Boston Tea Party: the Sons of Liberty valiantly threw British Tea into the Boston Harbor after a vicious hike on the tax of tea. However, history often works to create a linear story in favor of the “winners.” What happens when a playwright decides to tell the true unadulterated version where the Sons of Liberty were so drunk they almost killed a man and sent another one home naked in the middle of Boston winter? (And yes, this is all true!) Drunk History has nothing on this.

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The Tea Party

Character Information

It is important to note during the Boston Tea Party that though a majority of participants were of English descent, people of Portuguese and African descent were documented to have participated. Though none of the characters in the play with names were historically of color or female, the playwright asks for the roles to be played by female or non-binary identifying people, and to have as much diversity as possible.

Additionally, other than the roles of Samuel Adams, Benjamin Edes, Henry Wells, Thomas Crafts, and Henry Bass, characters can be double or triple cast.
  • Samuel Adams
    Natural-born leader who has a way with words. Tends to get bratty and slur words.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Benjamin Edes
    Mastermind behind the tea party, but not as good as a leader. Can get indignant when drunk.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Henry Wells
    Who is he again? Oh yeah, he was there I think. He did a thing. What was his name? Harvey? Howl? Hercules?
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Thomas Crafts
    Not the sharpest tool in the shed. Depends a lot on Bass even if Bass will make fun of him.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Henry Bass
    Probably the most realistic member (if that counts for anything with this group.) Looks out for Thomas.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Martha
    Wife of Edes. Just wants peace in her home.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Peter
    Son of Edes, though he denies any relation to his father.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • John Crane
    A suck up.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Charles Conner
    A lover of tea.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Tavern Owner
    A sad, sad soul.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Man
    as his name describes.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, T-Squared Production Company, and Unidentified Stages, 2020

Production History

  • Workshop, T-Squared Production Company, and Unidentified Stages, 2022