Wednesday, April 18, 2001
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Wednesday, April 18, 2001 |
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'Shenandoah' offers poignant portrayal of Civil War By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
The Civil War is close to the hearts of many people in the South. The battles were fought close to home and many residents had ancestors that fought on either side during the tumultuous time in our nation's history. Perhaps that is why the musical "Shenandoah" was so popular. It opened on Broadway in 1975 and ran for more than 1,000 performances. Southside Theater Guild brings the touching and poignant musical to the area beginning this Thursday. The story focuses on a family in Virginia. The father, played by Dennis Lewallen, vows to keep his family, including six sons and a daughter, out of the war. When one of his sons is kidnapped by the Union Army, after he is mistaken for a confederate soldier, the family must get involved to go and rescue him. Shenandoah features a large cast, beautiful songs, exciting dance numbers, fight scenes and a heartwarming story. The musical is directed by Eileen Baldwin, who has been heavily involved with local theater. She began acting with Southside Theater Guild in 1995, performing in plays like "Whose Life is it Anyway?" and "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." She started directing last year, directing "Little Princess Sara Crew" for STG and "Cheaper By The Dozen" for Fayette Community Theatre. The cast has been rehearsing since February and have had a few challenges with some cast changes in the ensemble. Many of the actors have to play more than one role in the show. "Shenandoah" is appropriate for all ages and offers many levels, ranging from gaiety to sorrow. "Shenandoah" will be performed Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. at the Southside Theater Guild theater in Fairburn. Tickets for Thursday night performances are $8, while admission to Friday and Saturday performances is $10 for adults and $8 for children. Call 770-969-0956 for reservations or visit www.stgplays.com. |
