THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE LOOMS LARGE IN FORMER STATE TREASURER JOE TORSELLA'S NEW ONE-MAN SHOW, “DECLARATION.”

A copy of the document hangs to one side of the stage, sometimes lit for emphasis. Torsella recites the entire document at the end in an attempt to stir a slumbering body politic into action. But at a key moment, the main character decides not to consult the Founders’ earthly words, but the word of God.

In the scene, Torsella — apologies, the character of Joe — looks for absolution for having wasted his talents after losing his reelection. He wonders aloud if he lacked the singular determination and focus to make it, citing a parable from Matthew of a master who entrusted “talent” — a biblical term for money — to his servants before he went away. One servant buries the money instead of investing it, fearing failure, and is upbraided for his laziness.

To this, a priest tells Joe his own story of early retirement, when he found himself listening to the woes of servers in Florida before making his way back into ecclesiastical service. The point being — Joe owes no one their definition of a good life. What matters is that he treats those who cross his path with love in his own pursuit of happiness. (Get it?)