The Civil War is a touching and moving musical about one of the darkest moments in American history.  Independent Musical Production has done a professional job of presenting this show with a talented cast of 35 with beautiful voices, creative lighting, historical costumes, dramatic set and flawless directing.  The actors do an excellent job of protraying how tragic and horrible this event was and making it realistic for today's audience.  This is sure to become one of Huntsville's favorite shows of all time--I know it will be mine!

Civil War is a show that incorporates letters, diaries, historical documents and Walt Whitman's poetry as it explores the brutal civil war that claimed the lives of 620,000 Americans. Following events from the beginnings of the war at Fort Sumter all the way to its bloody conclusion, The Civil War focuses on the impact the war had on the families of the soldiers and the slaves. The Civil War is not just an account of a historical event but an emotional event in our history.  The songs are beautifully written and tell the struggles the soldiers on both sides faced and how the leaders of our nation and the armies were struggling to make sense of this horrific time in their lives.  There are spirited numbers--"This Old Gray Coat," "Sons of Dixie" and "Some Day We're Going to be Free"-- intertwined with the sad ones--"Judgment Day" and "Tell My Father."
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This cast doesn't have a weak link in it.  The music is strong and professionally delivered by all the soloists making it hard to pick a favorite.  The show features Jeff Stricklin, Darin Windham, Jenny Stricklin, Jim Zielinski, Jennifer Simmons, Tyrone Sumlin, Patrick Johnson, Gil Hunter, Holly Powe, Chris Carter, Dave Schulte, Sarah Brown, Menterro Hambrick, and Kristen Tumminello. Also appearing are Breck Robinson, Jonathan McDowell, Gabriel Jaime, Caleb Brown, Sean Fleischman, Jemarlo Brown, Josie Craig, Robin Diggs, Anthony Concepcion, James Desta, Patrick Greene, Juanita Holt, Aleisa Campbell, John Hilchey, Ashley Blackwell, John Howard, James Kendrick, Andre Moore, Fred Porter, PJ Sligting, and Kenneth Warren.

Civil War is directed by Vivienne Atkins, who is assisted by A.D. Patrick Johnson, Susan Stricklin, Music Director Barry Petty, and Tech Director Bruce Beaumont.  Atkins has done a superb job of bringing the many emotions and conflicts of this time in history to the stage.  This is NOT a show that you would want to miss!

You can get tickets by calling (256) 859-2563.  Independent Musical Productions presents the Alabama Premiere of Frank Wildhorn's musical The Civil War, running 20 - 21 and 26 - 28 June at 7:30, with 2:30 matinees on 21, 22, and 28 June at the Lee High School Auditorium, 606 Forrest Circle in Huntsville.

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