A decade and a half ago, Peterborough residents with varying visions for the town came together to sing about their differences, the town’s history and a pressing concern – Where would they buy their underwear once Ames Department Store closed?
“Peterborough Verbatim” is turning 15 this year. The homespun musical, based on actual conversations and events from the town back in 2004, is screening at the library on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for its 15th anniversary.
It was a divisive time for Peterborough town’s people, said Beth Alpaugh-Cote, one of the residents who performed in the production.
“The issues with people wanting big-box stores and people not wanting big-box stores. And people wanting adult entertainment establishments in town and people not wanting it,” she said.
After a particularly contentious Town Meeting at which then Town Moderator Walter Peterson had to stop the meeting to tell residents to stop yelling at each other and gave a lecture on civil discourse, Sue Chollet spearheaded Peterborough’s Verbatim Project, Beth Alpaugh-Cote said.
Chollet represented a group of people in town who wanted differences to be expressed in a civil manner so that hopefully residents could better understand and communicate with each other.
Chollet reached out to Larry Siegal of Tricinium Limited who created the “Verbatim Project” as a way for communities to build social capital. Under Siegal’s guidance, “Peterborough Verbatim” was formed to create an original musical theater work by and about the community of Peterborough.
“The original cast is a “Who’s Who” of Peterborough, many of whom are no longer with us, including Governor Walter Peterson. Yet, their wit and wisdom endures,” according to local historian Tracy Messer from Time Travel Tours.
Messer, who wasn’t involved in the original production, recently watched the DVD of “Peterborough Verbatim” and suggested the 15th anniversary screening as a way of reintroducing the idea of civil discourse to residents, he said. He worked with original “Peterborough Verbatim” cast members Alpaugh-Cote and John Franklin to create the event.
Franklin plans to give an introduction before the screening and afterward Messer plans to lead a discussion with the audience to draw out reflections from original cast members and general thoughts on how civil discourse has changed over the last 15 years.
“What are the issues that we’re dealing with now that could benefit from some good opportunities to listen respectfully to one another,” Messer said. “Times may change but human nature doesn’t. … I think “Peterborough Verbatim” will remind us that human nature is a constant challenge.”
The Verbatim Project used actual conversation and newspaper headlines as dialogue and song lyrics, Messer said, likening some of the dialogue to eavesdropping on a conversation between residents at Nonie’s Bakery and Cafe.
“What’s going on in town? What do we care about? What do we disagree about? And let’s turn an artful eye on that,” Messer said.
And yes, “Where Are We Going To Buy Our Underwear?” is a song in the musical.
“It was not only a reflection of the times and concerns 15 years ago, but also looks at town history,” Messer said, with portrayals of “Peterborough Town Mothers” such as Marian MacDowell.
The lesson of Verbatim is to listen, Messer said, a message we would benefit by revisiting today. “Not just as a town but as a nation and a global community, we have to learn how to listen. … We may hear other people but we’re not listening to people.”
“Personally I think now more than ever we need to be mindful of our civility and civil discourse,” he said.
Alpaugh-Cote said the process did have an impact on residents. Especially those who were writers, songwriters and performers of “Peterborough Verbatim.” She recalled a performer, who was personally opposed to Walmart coming to town, having to sing a song about how they wanted Walmart to come to town.
“They had a pleasant way to discuss their various opinions. It wasn’t a controversial setting,” she said. “I think, I learned that we can all disagree, but we can all do it politely. … Just yelling at each other does not solve the problem. It’s doesn’t build communication. It just builds walls.”
Alpaugh-Cote said residents are forgetting the lessons of “Peterborough Verbatim” and said the ongoing debate over zoning, affordable housing and infill is at least one contentious town issue that needs to be diffused.
“I think that’s true of all kinds of things in this country, not just Peterborough,” she said. “Right now, I’m thinking locally. I’m interested in getting some housing in so we older folks can get in and stay here in town and continue to volunteer here. We also need housing for younger folks to get started here.”
“Peterborough Verbatim” is being screened in the lower level auditorium of the Peterborough Town Library. Running time is about 90 minutes.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. To reserve seats in advance or obtain more information, text Beth Alpaugh-Cote at 603-933-2946.