Gettysburg Community Theatre celebrates America250 with 'We The People' musical

The patriotic revue inspired by the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution runs through March 8th.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Gettysburg Community Theatre joined in the spirit of Adams County's America250 Celebration with a heartfelt performance of 'We the People the Musical' - a revue inspired by the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. The musical, with book by Pat Cook and music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur, tells the story of a committee brainstorming ideas to present a patriotic show to their town at the request of their mayor. The committee decides to create sketches exemplifying the power of the Constitution's Preamble, accompanied by traditional anthems and uplifting original compositions.

Why it matters

As the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the Gettysburg Community Theatre's production of 'We The People The Musical' captures the spirit of patriotism and bipartisan unity that surged in the country following the events of 9/11. The musical's exploration of the Constitution as a living document is particularly fitting in this milestone year for America.

The details

Directed by Stephanie Roelker and Buff Wills, with vocal music directed by Barbara Semiatin, 'We The People The Musical' is performed by a cast of eleven senior actors at GCT. The production features symbolic scenic projections, patriotic set design, and costumes including Lincoln's iconic top hat. The committee members read each phrase of the Preamble that correlates to the upcoming sketch, which the cast then acts out in a 'Norman Rockwellesque' depiction of American life.

  • The Gettysburg Community Theatre joined in the spirit of Adams County's America250 Celebration on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The production of 'We The People The Musical' continues through March 8, 2026.

The players

Gettysburg Community Theatre

A local community theater that is presenting the patriotic revue 'We The People The Musical' as part of the Adams County's America250 Celebration.

Chad-Alan Carr

The mayor of Gettysburg who requested that the Gettysburg Community Theatre present a patriotic show for the America250 Celebration. He is also the Executive/Artistic Director of GCT.

Pat Cook

The playwright who wrote the original play 'We The People', which inspired the musical adaptation.

Bill Francoeur

The composer who wrote the music and lyrics for the 'We The People The Musical' adaptation.

Stephanie Roelker

The co-director of the Gettysburg Community Theatre production of 'We The People The Musical'.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Gettysburg Community Theatre will also present '1776 The Musical' this summer as part of the America250 celebration.

The takeaway

The Gettysburg Community Theatre's production of 'We The People The Musical' captures the spirit of patriotism and unity that has defined America in the years since 9/11, making it a fitting tribute as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.