Civil War musical to open in Dover April 21
April is a meaningful month when it comes to United States history, particularly the timing of the start and end of the Civil War. A local production of the Broadway musical, "The Civil War" will be presented at 7 p.m., Friday-Sunday, April 21-23 and 28-30 at the historic Schwartz Center for the Arts in downtown Dover. The musical is written by Gregory Boyd and Frank Wildhorn with lyrics by Jack Murphy. It uses letters, diaries, historical documents and Walt Whitman's poetry to explore a defining time in American history.
The musical centers on the Civil War and tells the story in song from the perspective of Union soldiers, Confederate soldiers, slaves and the wives back home left wondering whether their loved ones were safe.
The show is directed by Tommye Staley with musical direction by Tim Plimpton. The diverse cast of 27 people from all over Delaware includes Phil Staley of the Honeycombs Band who is also set designer, Pastor Ted Henderson as Frederick Douglass, and John Hulse and Bob Frazier, who have appeared in musicals in Georgetown, Dover, Milford and Middletown. Other cast members include Dr. Bill Kroen from Wesley College, Jamar Boyer from Dover, Jackie and Chrissy Ashford from Wilmington, John and Maureen Levine from Smyrna and Becki Polk, Lezlie Eustis and Adara Ryan from Milford.
Tickets are $20, or $17 for seniors, students and military. For more information, go to www.schwartzcenter.com.
