It is 1864. The Civil War has come to its troubled end and the
famous and infamous, the confused, emancipated and dying come
together as individuals playing out their lives on Christmas
Eve.
It is 1864. The Civil War has come to its troubled end and the famous and infamous, the confused, emancipated and dying come together as individuals playing out their lives on Christmas Eve.
Considering the massive undertaking by the very able director, Robert Kelley, in moving 14 actors to more than 100 roles covering 64 scenes, “A Civil War Christmas” is almost overwhelming.
Abraham Lincoln is looking for a gift for his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln is searching for a Christmas tree (that new idea from Europe), John Wilkes Booth is at his insidious plotting, Walt Whitman is writing fitting poetry and Clara Barton tends the sick and dying. A freed slave and her daughter cross the Potomac to make their way to sure freedom in a deathly freezing night, a heartsick black mother is barely surviving the loss of a beloved son who graduated from college, Grant and Lee – separately – dissect the ups and downs of their past encounters. This is just a smattering of plots and subplots that somehow Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel pulls together. (She is still tweaking the production and perhaps will get it to move at a better pace when she is through.)
‘A Civil War Christmas’ is beautifully cast with solid, talented actors who bring in strong roles with seamless ease.
Michael A. Sheppard’s rich full voice booms through the theatre for some of its finest moments. Whenever you see C. Kelly Wright’s name on the program, don’t worry about the part she is playing – just sit back and enjoy. She never disappoints. Musical Director William Liberatore carries the show’s music made up of Civil War ballads, Christmas carols and spirituals with exact perfection. Scenic design, sound, lighting and costumes are at the usual TheatreWorks high caliber.
“A Civil War Christmas” gives the audience an overview of a moment in time that perhaps would have been lost but for Vogel’s talent and imagination. This is a well-done production with a Christmas theme that will hold your attention.
***
‘A Civil War Christmas’
Where: Lucy Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road,
Palo Alto
Through: Dec. 27
Tickets: $24-$62
Details: (650) 463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org
