Date: Fri 26-Feb-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Shubert-Civil-War

Full Text:

(rev "The Civil War" @Shubert)

THEATRE REVIEW: A Historic Opening At Shubert

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN -- The idea of a musical about the Civil War may raise eyebrows, but

after seeing a world premiere at New Haven's Shubert Theatre of the Performing

Arts of The Civil War , what is mostly raised are hands, in enthusiastic

applause. Polishing this production for its Broadway opening, theatregoers

have an opportunity until its closing on March 7 to see The Civil War for less

money than it will cost to see the production when it moves to The Big Apple.

A small group of very talented and creative people have joined together to

create this unique production. It is based on letters, documents and newspaper

articles from the 1860s, as well as speeches and poetry. In fact, three of the

major forces behind this presentation -- the composer Frank Wildhorn, the

author Gregory Boyd, and the lyricist Jack Murphy -- scoured the battlegrounds

where Union and Confederate soldiers fought and died.

They share a strong interest in that period of American history, which was

further influenced by Ken Burns' PBS documentary on the Civil War. Like the

writer/playwright Studs Terkel, these three men wanted to fashion a compelling

production that echoed the voices of the average person. They have done this,

quite successfully.

Unfortunately, the primary weakness is the child opening and closing the show.

Somehow a young boy, rather than a young girl, might prove a stronger

character. (This is not an anti-female stance!)

The descriptive term Mr Boyd uses to classify this production is "an emotional

landscape:" intending to evoke the sense of the time, the character and

feelings of that struggle. Sadly it remains a rift that continues to fester in

our day and age, not yet completely healed.

With an emphasis on the emotional, human side of war, songs expressing grief,

longing, hope and greed are threaded in a patchwork of musical styles. The

rock, gospel, ballad and oratorio song cycles all are used effectively to

depict a uniquely American voice.

With over 30 actor/singers, The Civil War supports quite a large cast.

Particularly outstanding are Keith Byron Kirk as the fiery Frederick Douglas,

and Cheryl Freeman, portraying Bessie Toler.

The dream team of creative artists is impressive. Author/composer Frank

Wildhorn, who wrote the beautiful score for Jekyll and Hyde (which also

premiered at the Shubert before going to Broadway); the award-winning director

Jerry Zaks; Gregory Boyd, the artistic director of Houston's Ally Theatre; and

author and lyricist Jack Murphy have joined forces with Luis Perez for

startling musical staging. Douglas Schmidt's scenic design was very effective

and further heightened by the lighting effects by Paul Gallo.

(The Civil War has shows each evening, Tuesday through Sunday, and matinees

each Saturday and Sunday (also on Wednesday, March 3). Tickets range from $28

to $60. Contact the Shubert box office, 562-5666, or Advantix, 800/228-6622,

for details or reservations.)