The Community Players of Salisbury in conjunction with the Wicomico Historical Society will put on an original production entitled, "250 America: A Birthday Celebration" containing significant speeches, essays and music to mark the nation's Independence. Delmarva Public Media's Don Rush talks with the writer and producer Matt Bogdan about what inspired him. It will be held on June 26th and 27th at 7:30 pm as well as on June 28 at 2 pm at the Community Players Theater on Nutters Cross Road in Salisbury. The full interview can be heard on Delmarva Today and onour website delmarvapublicmedia.org.
The Community Players of Salisbury will mark the approaching anniversary of American independence this weekend with a new stage production titled “250 America: A Birthday Celebration,” presented in partnership with the Wicomico Historical Society. Framed as both historical reflection and performance, the show weaves together speeches and songs spanning from the Revolutionary era through modern struggles and milestones.
Matt Bogdan of The Community Players said the production is designed to balance honesty about America’s challenges with a broader sense of pride in its founding ideals. He emphasized that the nation’s story has always included tension, but also enduring aspirations. “We have a lot to celebrate despite the negativity that has existed since day one,” Bogdan said, pointing to foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution alongside figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Paine, Abraham Lincoln, and others.
Bogdan, a former UMES Professor, said his background teaching American literature influenced his selection of material, including a well-known Revolutionary-era address. He highlighted Patrick Henry’s call to action, quoting, “If we wish to be free, we must fight,” describing it as a piece he long enjoyed teaching and reciting.
The production also leans into a forward-looking message. Bogdan said the United States remains a work in progress, describing it as striving toward “a more perfect union,” with optimism rooted in civic participation, protest, and the right to vote. “We have the right to speak out,” he said, noting that challenges have always existed, but so has the capacity for change.
“250 America: A Birthday Celebration” will be performed June 26–27 at 7:30 p.m. and June 28 at 2 p.m. at the Community Players Theater on Nutters Cross Road in Salisbury.
