Ann Reed

Heroes, a theatrical presentation.
Written by Ann Reed
Produced by A Center For The Arts and Turtlecub Productions, Inc.
Supported on tour by Legacy Grant, Minnesota State Arts Board

Heroes, a song written and performed by Ann Reed (1991) was her response to hearing a call-in show on the radio and reading several articles arguing that there were no real role models left for children or adults. Remembering her history classes and that little was mentioned of women's accomplishments, she went to work. Starting with a long list of women from all over the world and a variety of careers, she chose 40 women. They were chosen without regard to nationality, political ideology or religious affiliation but rather for the place they hold in history. Another important factor from a songwriter's point of view was the ability of their name to blend into the rhyming and pacing of the song.

The song struck a universal chord and grew to anthem proportion. The next step for Ann was to expand the concept of the song into something larger and enhanced by mixed media. In 2007 that dream came to fruition when she completed the play Heroes: A Celebration of Women Who Changed History and Our Lives and cast a host of talented performers and enlisted a local choir. The first performance was produced by Minnesota Public Radio and recorded on CD and DVD and received critical acclaim. Dream Part II was not far behind—could Heroes find support for a touring production? Happily, the answer was yes. In 2012 Heroes will tour to the following Minnesota communities: Dawson, Staples, Minneapolis, Glenwood, Fergus Falls, and Zumbrota. See Ann's calendar for details.

Heroes features Ann Reed, Aimee K. Bryant, Leslie Ball, Dan Chouinard, Joan Griffith, Thomasina Petrus, and Denise Tabet and a chorus or choir from the selected community that can learn several songs from the original show and be willing and able to perform at this event. Choral music will be provided to the chorus. There will be a rehearsal with Ann and side musicians a day before the event and a dress rehearsal day of show.

Financial details and partnership information available by contacting Rebecca Peterson at A Center For The Arts (contact information below).

Whether you're one of the four communities selected for this initial tour or an organization that would like to be considered for year 2 and/or participate in our funding quest for 2011-12, you can request a complimentary DVD of Heroes and contact either Rebecca Peterson at www.fergusarts.org (218) 736-5453 or Ann's manager Lin Bick at linbick@gmail.com or 612-799-3268 for more information.