A Walk Down Memory Lane

Last night, We the People Theatre was invited to share a video of our very first production—1776. The screening was part of the 250th celebration of our country, and it brought together a number of our original actors, along with our costumer, to revisit where it all began.

The sound quality wasn’t perfect, but considering this was a homegrown effort—created with the help of several Dartmouth student videographers—we were proud of what we saw on the screen. More importantly, we were reminded of the spirit that launched this company.

The year was 2017, just after the first election of Donald Trump. Then, as now, our country was deeply divided. People on opposing sides of the political spectrum struggled to listen to one another, and compromise often felt out of reach. It was against this backdrop that we chose 1776 as our inaugural production.

The musical tells the story of the First Continental Congress and the extraordinary challenge of drafting the Declaration of Independence. Faced with profound disagreement—especially around the issue of slavery—the delegates were unable to find common ground. In the end, compromise came at a cost: the removal of language condemning the practice of slavery in order to secure unity.

Watching the production again, it was hard not to notice how familiar those tensions still feel today. Eight years later, we find ourselves continuing to grapple with many of the same challenges—how to listen, how to bridge differences, and how to come together in meaningful ways.

This year’s production of The Spitfire Grill offers a different kind of story, but one that feels just as relevant. Set in a small rural town not unlike our own, it is a story of redemption, second chances, and the quiet power of individuals to shape and strengthen a community. Over time, the town of Gilead is transformed, and new beginnings take root.

Just as the delegates of the Continental Congress struggled—and ultimately found ways—to move forward together, so too do the citizens of Gilead discover the possibility of connection and renewal.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of the story.