Original musical ‘One Vote!’ to premiere during America’s 250th anniversary, celebrating the founding of Marietta and the Northwest Territory

PRESS RELEASE

MARIETTA, Ohio — Presented by The Northwest Territory Museum Society in partnership with Marietta College, One Vote! The Musical will make its world premiere with six performances July 17–26, 2026, bringing the dramatic story of Marietta’s founding to the stage during America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Written by acclaimed singer-songwriters Larry Groce and Todd Burge, and directed by Jack Colclough, Director of the School of Theatre & Dance at Marshall University, the original production tells the story of the New England settlers who founded Marietta, Ohio, where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio River, and how the decisions and events of 1786–1820 helped shape the future of the United States.

At the center of the story is Ephraim Cutler, whose single vote secured Ohio’s admission to the Union as a free state. Historical figures including Rufus Putnam, often called the “Father of the Northwest Territory,” appear alongside fictional characters, including pioneer Abigail Worthy, whose story offers audiences a personal glimpse into frontier life. The musical also explores the experiences of frontier women while portraying the struggles and resilience of Native peoples and African Americans during the settlement of the Northwest Territory.

Featuring an original score blending pop, rock, Americana, and folk music, One Vote! combines humor, heart, and history into an entertaining theatrical experience that celebrates one of the defining moments in early American democracy.

The production also serves as a unique educational initiative, showcasing the talents of professional artists alongside students and faculty from Marshall University, Ohio University, and Marietta College. The scenic set is being constructed at Marshall University by Marshall University and Ohio University students before being transported to Marietta, where Marietta College students will reassemble it for the production. Additional internships have been provided through Marietta College’s Center for Appalachian Innovation, giving students valuable real-world experience in theatrical production.

Director Jack Colclough brings more than two decades of leadership at Marshall University and an accomplished professional acting career to the production, having directed more than 70 productions and performed with organizations including the Roundabout Theatre Company, Goodspeed Opera House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and numerous other acclaimed regional theatres.

Co-writer Larry Groce is the co-founder and longtime host of NPR’s Mountain Stage, heard on more than 270 stations nationwide. A Grammy nominee, he has recorded 24 albums and has been inducted into both the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Co-writer Todd Burge is a West Virginia singer-songwriter, playwright, producer, and arts administrator. He has released more than fifteen albums, appeared multiple times on Mountain Stage and Songs at the Center, and currently serves as Director of the Esbenshade Series and Programming Consultant for Peoples Bank Theatre.

Performance Schedule

Friday, July 17, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 — 2:30 p.m.

Friday, July 24, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 26, 2026 — 2:30 p.m.

Venue: Hermann Fine Arts Center
Marietta College
Marietta, Ohio

One Vote! The Musical is made possible in part through support from the Ohio Arts Council, America 250-Ohio, Marietta College, the Center for Appalachian Innovation, and private donors.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.onevotemusical.com

Press contact – Todd Burge 304-481-2766 onevotemusical@gmail.com