Patriotic music - from America's favorite anthems to poignant and uplifting compositions - will be featured in "We the People," a patriotic musical by Pat Cook and Bill Francoeur, on Sept. 10, 11 and 17-18 at the Crossroads Ministry Center of Bluffton's Ebenezer Mennonite Church.

"This educational and inspirational musical masterpiece will leave all involved not only with a better understanding of the founding of America, but also a stronger appreciation for what makes this country unique and great today," said director Kevin Gratz.

The patriotic tableau begins as a committee discusses putting on a patriotic show for the town. The committee asks itself the question, "Just what does America mean to us?"

Using the Preamble to the Constitution as the framework to the show, they show through sketches and songs not only how the Constitution applies to our past, but to our present and future.

Everyday life is showcased in funny and touching vignettes - from two neighbors arguing over their right to have crabgrass, to an immigrant's heartwarming rendition of her coming to America,.

"This show offers slices of life in America. Picnics...tributes to the military...letters from war...all become a patchwork quilt of American life," said Gratz.

Tickets are $10 and include dinner at 6 p.m. and the show at 7 p.m. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the Bluffton Community Assistance Program's food pantry again this year.

The Ebenezer Drama Ensemble has been presenting its annual dinner theatre since 2001.

The Crossroads Ministry Center is located at 8905 Columbus Grove Road, Bluffton. For reservations call the church at 419-358-8588 or e-mail [email protected].

The cast:

Pat Bassett, Dave Brauen, Kathy Brauen, Thomas Eachus, John Geore, Kara Gratz, Karlyn Holt, Sarah Lehman, Marty Lemley, Sue Luginbill, Amy McGough, Cindy Moser, Roger Rhodes, Steve Rodabaugh, Lynda Rodabaug, Tiffany Rodabaugh, Pat Rodabaugh, Meri Skilliter, Tom Wright, Anita Wright, Hannah Wright, Karis Willow Wright, Nancy Wright, Kerris Wright, with a special appearance by Ropp Triplett.

Kevin Gratz - director
Sarah Lehman - assistant director
Mary Gratz - producer