Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words is an intimate and powerful theatrical portrait of two lives that changed the course of recovery history. Told through their own words from the Stepping Stones Archive, the play running June 4 to 6 at 7 p.m. and June 7 at 1 p.m. traces the lives of global humanitarians Bill and Lois Wilson from the spark of young love, through Bill’s 17-year struggle with alcoholism, to his transformative recovery and the cofounding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Along the way, audiences witness the circumstances that led to the genesis of the Twelve Steps of recovery—an enduring framework that has helped millions reclaim their lives.
Actors will portray “Older Bill” and “Older Lois,” offering depth and reflection shaped by years of lived experience, while two "younger" actors bring vitality and urgency to the roles of “Younger Lois” and “Younger Bill.”
More than a biography, the play sheds light on the often-overlooked partnership behind a global movement. Longtime New Yorkers, Bill and Lois Wilson helped lay the foundation for recovery communities that continue to thrive today worldwide, including Alcoholics Anonymous (founded 1935) and Al-Anon (founded 1951). Their legacy endures decades after their passing, continuing to offer hope and healing worldwide.
This production is directed by Trent Dawson, Artistic Director, Katonah Classic Stage, from the play compiled by Laurie Heffner-Lewis. The 111-minute plus intermission production is made from the Wilsons’ personal writings preserved in the Stepping Stones Archive, bringing authenticity and emotional resonance to this compelling story of love, resilience, and redemption.
Stepping Stones is the private, non-profit, and tax-exempt National Historic Landmark site and archive that was the long-time home of the Wilsons and continues to welcome tour visitors by reservation and has robust online, off-site, and in-person programming, a play program, and an Online Archive Portal viewable worldwide. The Katonah, NY site has 8-acres of gardens and grounds, the Wilson home and Bill's writing studio, and 110,000 original documents and artifacts.
This production is being presented to celebrate the 75th Annual Stepping Stones Lois' Family Groups Picnic weekend. For picnic tickets, volunteering for the picnic and play, and for more information about Stepping Stones, go to www.steppingstones.org. For assistance contact us at: 914-232-4822 or office@steppingstone.org.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase during intermission.