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 A
play about the Civil War? We already know who the main characters
are, and we already know who won. Still, this play has surprises. Reunion isn't
a play about North versus South, but about North versus North.
It highlights the Northern Civil War experience and the issues
which almost kept the North from winning the war at all.
First, we saw the
play at Ford's Theatre, so already we are attuned to the
events that occurred there. Maybe that's why the wooden stage
set reminded us of a hangman's scaffold. But we forgot about
that as soon as the music began. The play is very fast-paced
and combines wonderful period music and quotes from the prominent
figures of the day, used to illustrate the contrasting views
and issues facing the North during this time.
The writers perfectly
capture those issues starting with union and slavery. For
instance, at the beginning, the white characters' songs are
bright and patriotic while the African American characters
let us know that THEY know that the real issue is freedom.
The writers also contrast the John Hay-combination character
with McClellan to demonstrate their difference of opinion
on the abilities of Abraham Lincoln to lead the country.
The audience was
filled with people of all ages and many family groups. The
play was thoroughly enjoyed by all, Civil War buffs and novices
alike. Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to Civil
War music, thought, and politics.
After the play,
we were treated to a special question-and-answer session
with the writer, Jack Kyrieleison and cast members. Joining
them was Michael Maione of the National Park Service, who
is head ranger at Ford's Theatre and a national expert on "Mr.
Lincoln."
From the questions
we learned that Jack chose the title, Reunion, because
that was Lincoln's primary focus throughout the war. We also
learned that this is his first play, that he spent three
years researching, never imagining it would be performed
at Ford's Theatre. Actor James Judy played the Booth character.
He shared that although he does not believe in ghosts, when
he as Booth jumps from the Lincoln box and escapes off-stage,
he feels he is being watched. He also feels a cold wind coming
from the exact place where Ferguson, a stagehand on the day
of the assassination, stood and watched Booth escape. From
Michael Maione we learned why he believes that the preservation
of Ford's Theatre is a perfect tribute to Mr. Lincoln; why
he always calls Mr. Lincoln "Mr. Lincoln;" and, that "Ford's
Theatre is not haunted!"
While we believe
most of that, James Judy's story gave us the shivers.
To learn
more about Ford's Theatre, visit the National Park Service
web site at http://www.nps.gov/foth/index2.htm.
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