The Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton, OH will stage 26 Pebbles, a docu-drama based on interviews with residents of Newtown, CT where, in 2012, an armed gunman went on a shooting rampage at the local Sandy Hook elementary school, killing 20 children and six adults.

The six-actor play by Eric Ulloa, who currently appears in Broadway’s On Your Feet!, will be produced as part of Human Race’s 2016-17 season. It will premiere February 2-19, 2017.

In the aftermath of the Ulloa traveled to Newtown to interview members of the community. The individuals gave their blessing for Ulloa to use their words in the play that utilizes six actors to portray a multitude of characters. The title refers to the 26 deaths “described by one local resident as ‘pebbles thrown into a pond’” that created ripples that captured the nation’s attention and reinvigorated the hotly contested gun debate in America.

According to the Human Race Theatre, “The true stories of that tragic day and its aftermath come to light in this powerful drama that asks, ‘How does a community endure the ultimate test, and what comes after the cameras and noise leave?’”

“The hope and determination of the people of Newtown floored me in the weeks I spent up there,” Ulloa said in a statement. “I know that their fierce spirit will touch every person that leaves the theatre. When many people think of Ohio, they think of Main Street, USA and all the nostalgic qualities that make it the heart of America. By having 26 Pebbles’ world premiere at The Human Race, my creative home since 2008, we have the unique opportunity of starting dialogue about this American epidemic right here in the heart of our great country.”

Also slated for Human Race’s 2016-17 season are Sweeney Todd (September 8 – October 2), Hail Mary! (November 3–20); On Golden Pond (April 6 – 23, 2017); a musical adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (June 1–25).

Visit humanracetheatre.org.