We the People was written and performed in 1975-76 in commemoration of the American Bicentennial celebration. It successfully toured Virginia schools for seven years, appearing in virtually every school district in the Commonwealth. It is now being reworked and revived by ATLAS Partnership in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. 

The professional premiere of the new adaptation of We the People will take place on July 4, 2025 at Hanover Tavern, and subsequently tour Virginia schools throughout the 2025-26 school year and beyond. We the People is an official partner of VA250, the statewide agency assembled to celebrate the Sestercentennial. We the People is informed by and in sync with Virginia Standards of Learning.

Performed by a diverse cast of five professional actor/musicians, the show tells the story of the Revolutionary War Era through 23 songs popularized and sung throughout the colonies/states during the early days of the history of our nation. The oldest song, “Brave Wolfe,” dates from 1759; the newest song, “Evening Bells,” became popular on this continent in 1802.

Some of the songs are somewhat or very well known: “Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be,” “No More Auction Block for Me,” “Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier,” “Simple Gifts” and “Yankee Doodle.” Others are virtually unremembered today: “Days of ’76,” “How Stands the Glass Around,” and “How Happy the Soldier.” 

Regardless of our current familiarity with each tune in We the People, these musical snapshots, and the historical narrative that connects and frames them, provide a unique and revealing look into the dreams, fears and rallying cries of a diverse people hearing and responding to the call of freedom.