Community invited to sit in for a bit of Seguin’s history this Sunday

(Seguin) — A piece of Seguin’s history is preparing to return to the stage this weekend, providing a new generation of residents a sneak peak into a future and fully revamped theater production.

Will’s War, a historical production based on the book by local author Janice Woods Windle, is making its way back to Seguin nearly a decade after its original stage reading in 2018. The full production is scheduled to open Jan. 28, 2027, at Texas Lutheran University’s Studio Theater.

However before the production officially opens next year, residents will have an opportunity to get a preview during a special fundraising dinner and sneak-peek event this Sunday evening at the Texas Theatre.

Written by William Wayne Windle, the play tells the true story of his great-grandfather, Will Bergfeld, a Seguin native whose life was dramatically changed by the anti-German sentiment surrounding World War I.

Set in 1917, the story follows Bergfeld, a German-American and union sympathizer who is falsely accused of treason and involvement in a plot to assassinate President Woodrow Wilson. His story unfolds during a time when German-American families across Texas and the country faced growing suspicion, discrimination and pressure to prove their loyalty.

For Windle, the production is about more than bringing a historical story to the stage. It is also about preserving a part of Seguin’s history that many newer residents may not know.

“The main characters of the play, Will and Virginia Bergfeld, they are Seguinites, born and raised,” said Windle.

Their daughter, Virginia Bergfeld Woods, also left her mark on the community as one of the founding members of the Seguin Conservation Society, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The return of the play also coincides with several milestones for the Windle family, including 10 years since William Wayne Windle first began writing it and 10 years since its first stage reading at the Texas Theatre.

The original workshop for the play was in 2018 and was directed by Emmy-winning director Karen Arthur. Arthur, known for directing the CBS Mini Series True Women, starring Angelina Jolie, remains involved with this project.

Windle says the new production “has been substantially reworked, giving audiences a different experience from the one presented nearly a decade ago.”

“Everybody who saw it in 2018 is not going to recognize it,” said Windle . “And we also have local people coming out in droves. They’re treating this very much like it is their own.”

This Sunday’s evening will include a presentation explaining the history behind the play and its significance, followed by a heritage-inspired dinner featuring homemade brisket and chile con queso prepared by Mary Jane Windle. Guests will also get to see two scenes performed by actors who will be part of next year’s production.

For the sneak peek dinner, actress Aislinn Evans, known for her work in Mafia Spies and Black Dagger Brotherhood, is being flown in from Los Angeles to portray Anna Bennett.

This weekend’s fundraising effort will help support the production as it moves toward its January opening. Organizers are also planning different donation levels with special benefits, as well as three master classes. Windle also expects Broadway investors to be represented at the upcoming event, with Tony Award-winning Broadway producers expected to attend the January production.

After years of work, Windle says seeing the Seguin community embrace the project has been especially meaningful. He hopes residents recognize that while the story may eventually reach audiences beyond the area, its roots will always be here.

“This is something Seguin can call its own,” said Windle. “My ultimate goal with this piece is for it to play in large theaters across the nation. Ultimately, I’d love for it to be adapted into a long-from television series as there is so much source material to pull from and I believe this particular story will remain relevant for many years to come.”

The full production of Will’s War opens Jan. 28, 2027, at Texas Lutheran University’s Studio Theater. Organizers are also planning a separate kickoff celebration in January, with details to be announced.

Tickets are $75 a person. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at The Texas Theatre.

Residents interested in attending Sunday’s dinner and sneak-peek event can find ticket information at Will’s War Dinner and Sneak Peek Evening available HERE.