The Inland Stage Company is proud to present Remembering When: A Story of Mr. Whittier’s Hemet June 4, 5 and 6 at the Esplanade Art Center in San Jacinto.  The play was written by local playwright Michael Tennant.

“About a year ago, some representatives of the Hemet Centennial Committee asked me if I’d write a play, about an hour long, on the history of Hemet,” Tennant said. “They wanted the play to premiere on the eve of their centennial celebration.”

The show has already been done a few times; once at the Hemet library and twice at the Simpson Center, but this will be the first showing at the Esplanade Art Center.

“Michael Tennant is not only a very talented guy but also a friend, and he asked if I’d read the play,” said ISC Artistic Director Jim Marbury. “Not surprisingly, I liked it, thought it would go a long way to expose us to new audiences and be a great opportunity to do a new work by a local playwright. We’re very excited to produce it – it’s a privilege to participate in Hemet’s Centennial Celebration.”

According to Tennant, “Remembering When: The Story of Mr. Whittier’s Hemet, is basically the story of the founders of Hemet, and how and why it became a city.”

The play focuses on the early people of the San Jacinto Valley, and the problems they faced, in the years 1885 through 1917.

“It really is a slice of local history and also reflects Michael’s connection to family and our community,” Marbury said. “I found it very touching and I’m quite certain our audience will.”

Tennant said the show has gone over really well with audiences who have seen it so far.

“People should come see it because it’s a great way to learn a lot about the town they live in,” Tennant said. “It’s funny, informative, and has a few tear jerking moments as well. It’s a great way to connect with the founders of Hemet. It will cause people to look at Hemet in a whole new light.”

“ISC is proud to have Michael Tennant join our artistic team and the community should keep an eye out for other new projects resulting from our collaboration,” Marbury said.

Tickets are $10 for general admission. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Esplanade Art Center is located at 2181 W. Esplanade Ave., in San Jacinto.

For more information visit www.inlandstage.org.