Expresso Yourself Coffeehouse
to feature a musical on
Women's Equality Day
"And they decided to do something about it!” says a character in the musical We Did It For You! But it could be a description of the women and men who formed the Medfield Huddle in February to address the rights of the oppressed and disenfranchised. This social justice group has written postcards, done Twitter storms on the proposed federal budget, and gathered healthcare stories for the recent Senate vote. Taking on a musical about women’s rights was a natural.
Written by Thea Iberall, We Did It For You! is a charming musical that tells of the struggles and triumphs women have undergone to get their basic rights in America. A high school student has a history project to figure out who has done the most for women of today, and she learns the answer from the women who were there. It is the ideal history lesson disguised as entertainment. One young girl said, while leaving the show, “I didn’t know learning could be so fun.”
 A Millis high school teacher said, “The play is an instructional gem.” Paul Williams, the Oscar-winning songwriter said, “Playwright Thea Iberall offers a multi century parade of feminine genius and courage, and does it with humor and fun. Your daughters must see this but, the men in your family will enjoy it too."
“The performance was so outstanding and moving that I got goose bumps and cried. A performance in which each historical figure describes her own trials and accomplishments is so much better than just reading about the woman in a book.” - Lilly Ledbetter, Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first act of legislation signed by President Obama
“What a magnificent way to bring the empowering lives of these amazing women to the wider public. Thea and everyone involved should be very proud of their work as it is so enlightening for those of us who need reminding how far women have come since those terrible days of disenfranchisement and subservience. I just pray that you get a huge audience for this work as it deserves to be seen around the world.”- Mark Shelmerdine, Television Producer
"The group portrayed the journey through early stages of women’s history and their struggle for equal rights through song and laughter, and a very strong message about what they suffered to provide us with the freedoms we have today. The educational message was powerful and poignant, increasing our awareness and overall knowledge of our history. If you have this troupe coming your way, put on your seat-belt for a rollercoaster ride you won’t soon forget. Thank you for an outstanding performance… many, many thanks.” - John E. Winkfield, Director Equal Employment Opportunity, US Army
“The play was amazing! I laughed, I cried, and I sang along. Watching that play was a gift. I learned so much and really was awed by what women accomplished, against giant odds. Beautiful experience. ” – Patricia Griffiths
“Thank you AGAIN for a wonderful experience!! YOUR words got a standing ovation! I know this production will be an important work the whole world will benefit from! ” – BC Petrakos
This presentation is supported in part by a grant from the Medfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
www.wediditforyou.org
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