The Red Lion Inn Presents:
Voices of Democracy:
Imagining America: The Next 250
Conceived & Directed by
Robert H. Egan
Musical Direction by
Johnny Irion
Celebrate America with visionary artists, activists, educators and musicians from the national and local community as they envision the hopes, dreams and challenges of our next 250 years. An evening of songs, story-telling, poetry and luminous imaginings that will inspire us for the journey ahead.
Before the show begins, join us for an all-American celebration filled with festive food, refreshing drinks, and the lively spirit of a classic seasonal gathering. This kickoff is all about great company, warm hospitality, and an evening of timeless summer fun.
Please note: this performance is recommended for children over 10 years old.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Tickets on sale soon!
Meet the Cast
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Executive Director of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, with a Masters in U.S. Women’s History, she brings a historian’s lens to leadership, philanthropy, and social change. She weaves narrative, context, and critical analysis into strategy and storytelling, illuminating how past movements shape current systems while advancing a more just and vibrant future in the communal life of the United States.
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Born to immigrant parents immersed in music, it was Perla’s early years touring with Leonard Cohen that set her direction as a solo artist. She has produced seven albums and performed worldwide in venues like the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall and the venue known again as The Kennedy Center. Perla’s outreach has been recognized with two UN awards for advancing social and economic justice through music.
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A Lenox native, he spent most of his career living and working overseas as a foreign correspondent. During 24 years as a reporter for The New York Times, Jim was the West African bureau chief; Brazil bureau chief; Rocky Mountain bureau chief; Canada bureau chief; and then Japan/Koreas correspondent. After the Times, Jim was Russia bureau chief for Bloomberg for 8 years. Later he worked in Kyiv, running his own Ukraine business newsletter.
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Recognizable from his numerous character portrayals in television, theater, and film, Scott Cohen is an award-winning actor who has received rave reviews for his varied range of performances. He also is a veteran acting coach and producer now working with his company, Sullivan Street Filmworks. Upcoming films include: Rest and Relaxation; Pocket Dreams; Writing False Flags and Before The Storm.
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The first woman elected to represent the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She was named a “Lawmaker to Watch” by The Boston Globe, a “Politician to Watch” by MassLive, and was featured in State House News for her legislative leadership. She serves the largest geographic district in the Massachusetts House, representing eighteen Berkshire County communities. A solo parent of three, Davis brings firsthand experience of the challenges facing working families.
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An educator and community activist dedicated to advancing educational equity, leadership development, and community engagement. She founded the Rites of Passage and Empowerment (R.O.P.E.) program, a mentoring initiative serving young women of color and youth, celebrating the transition from adolescence to adulthood equipping scholars with the knowledge, skills, and confidence. In 2024 Governor Maureen Healy recognized Shirley's outstanding service to youth and community.
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The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Main Street Hospitality. Main Street owns and operates distinctive, independent hotels in the U.S., including the Red Lion Inn. Sarah leads the Stockbridge, Mass based group, with managed revenue exceeding $50M. Founded in 2014, MSH has shown consistent annual growth, earned a coveted spot on the Inc. 5000 List of fastest Growing Companies in 2023, and has become a leader in the independent hospitality industry in less than ten years. Sarah is focused on the Red Lion Inn becoming a cultural hub for the Berkshires.
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The Co-Chair of the NAACP Berkshires Legal Redress Committee, he joined Albany Law School in December 2015 with extensive litigation experience in intellectual property, securities, and criminal defense. Prior to practicing law, he was an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he taught courses in programming, developed their Information Assurance curriculum, and created the intercollegiate Cyber Defense Exercise.
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Troubadour rocker Johnny Irion has solidified his reputation as one of the most spirited artists in the folk-rock genre. His career is steeped in authentic American punk & roots music, a heritage he embraced wholeheartedly before and after his 22-year marriage to Sarah Lee Guthrie. Collaborating with legends like Pete Seeger, Jeff Bridges, Wilco, Dawes, and The Mother Hips has been instrumental in shaping Johnny's musical journey.
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Artistic Director and CEO of Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) for over 30 years. She oversaw the 2010 merger of Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge and The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. She believes in the transformative power of the arts to open doorways to growth and understanding the human heart, ultimately strengthening communities. Kate presents diverse, award-winning work on Berkshire stages including The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Unicorn Theatre, The Garage and The Colonial Theatre.
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President of Wesleyan University since 2007, he has overseen significant improvements to the campus as well as the launch of multiple interdisciplinary programs. His 2019 book, Safe Enough Spaces: A Pragmatist’s Approach to Inclusion, Free Speech, and Political Correctness, addresses some of the most contentious issues in American higher education—including affirmative action, safe spaces, and questions of free speech. He was given the PEN/Benenson Courage Award in 2025 for standing up against governmental assaults on higher education.
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An OBIE Award-winning playwright whose Pulitzer-nominated In the Continuum has seen dozens of productions worldwide. Author of eight full-length plays produced on three continents, she is a Professor at Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, with an anthology forthcoming from Methuen Drama/Bloomsbury Academic in 2027. www.nikkolesalter.com
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A resident of Lee, Massachusetts, he is a third-year student at Monument Mountain High School. His main interests are drawing and art. He is an avid soccer player and fan. Leo is proud to be a first-generation American citizen, and to have his cultural roots in Guatemala. He is pleased to have been the Assistant Director on Voices of Democracy Part 1 and is eager to share his vision of the future.
