Opus 1861 -The Civil War In Symphony
Devised by Elizabeth Margolius & Terry McCabe
Directed by Elizabeth Margolius
Music arranged & directed by Gary Powell
At City Lit Theatre, Chicago
Heartfelt harmonies and emotionally wrenching letters home from soldiers fuels terrific Civil War musical
Opus 1861: The Civil War In Symphony celebrate the 150th year anniversary of the American Civil War through the songs of the Union Army. This well-sung world premiere folk musical features 4 men and 2 women who blend their voices into beautiful harmonies to a collection of Civil War Era folk tunes, anthems, marches, religious and traditional songs rich in emotions and sentimentality.
Stephen Barker, Erin Renee Baumrucker, Ryan Gaffney, Varris Holmes, Elizabeth Morgan and Tyler Thompson make up the troop of Soldiers dressed in modern Army fatigue uniforms worn by contemporary soldiers in Afghanistan. The show consists of 20 songs from the Civil War intermixed with the presentation of letters from 21st Century soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
What makes this musical work so well are the talents of the six singer/musicians who play a guitar, banjo, clarinet, trumpet, ukeleles, pump organ, penny whistle and percussion in addition of the piano accompaniment by Gary Powell (who also did them musical arrangements). We hear well know tunes like “Home Sweet Home.” ” Michael, Row the Boat Ashore,” “John Brown’s Body” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The six singers look and move like soldiers as we hear each render emotionally wrought solos that morph into stirring harmonies. The tone of the peace depicts the loneliness, sadness, grief, and sense of honor that each contemporary soldier communicates through their letter home from the Middle East war zone.
The piece laments the sacrifice and honor of defending one’s country and its lets the emotionally wrenching Civil War speak to the personal commitment of individuals to defend their country. This is a non-political war musical. We hear the soldiers finding strength, solace, and sense of purpose in the songs of soldiers equally honor-bound to serve their country in war.
Songs like “When This Cruel War is Over (Weeping Sad and Lonely),” “Shule Agrah (Johnny’s Gone for a Soldier)” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd” were particularly emotionally moving. The Civil War songbook’s rich personal sensitivity toward the angst of war is deeply presented by this group of talented singers. The superb vocals and the honest presentation of the letters home added power to the sacrifice of theses honorable patriots. Get to City Lit Theatre to experience the richness of traditional American folk tunes sung marvelously by a troupe of new talents. This show will lift your spirits and give you new respect to the honorable soldiers who defend us when our nation calls.
Complete song list:
Taps
Johnny Fill up the Bowl
Johnny We Hardly Knew Ye
Michael, Row the Boat Ashore
When This Cruel War Is Over (Weeping Sad and Lonely)
Was My Brother in the Battle?
Lorena
Many Thousand Gone (No More Auction Block)
John Brown’s Body
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?
Shule Agrah (Johnny’s Gone for a Soldier)
Just Before the Battle, Mother
Hard Times Come Again No More
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Give Us a Flag
The Battle Cry of Freedom
Battle Hymn of the Republic
The Vacant Chair
Home! Sweet Home!
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2012
For more info checkout the Opus 1861 page at theatreinchicago.com
At City Lit Theatre, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL, call 773-293-3682, www.citylit.org, tickets $25, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5 & 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, plus Thursday, May 10 at 8 pm, running time is 70 minutes without intermission, through May 13, 2012