Auburn University Theatre presenting ‘A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration’

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The holiday celebrations begin early this year with the Auburn University Department of Theatre’s production of “A Civil War Christmas.” Opening in the Telfair Peet Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m., “A Civil War Christmas” weaves together a tapestry of stories surrounding fictional and historical characters with holiday music, marches, hymns and spirituals of the period to tell a story of companionship and communal hope arising from one of our nation’s darkest hours.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel’s 2012 musical takes place in Washington, D.C., on the coldest Christmas Eve on record. The year is 1864, and President and Mrs. Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, Ely Parker, Robert E. Lee, Mary Surratt and Clara Barton join a cast of over 50 characters to craft a tale of holidays, home and heart. Told through a mixture of dialogue and traditional Christmas, holiday and Civil War music, “A Civil War Christmas” speaks to our shared humanity and the importance of community.

Not often produced, Vogel’s challenging piece locates moments of human kindness within and alongside conflict, highlighting the struggles to hold on to hope during one of the most contentious times in American history. Characters put their hands to use in meaningful labor as a way to uphold human value and dignity at a particularly cold, particularly difficult time. The combination of song and dialogue woven throughout the narrative creates a brightly hued, complex constellation of experience giving voice to rich and poor, young and old, black and white, powerful and powerless.

“A Civil War Christmas” runs from Nov. 9 – 18 at 7:30 p.m., except on Sunday, Nov. 12, which is a 2:30 p.m. matinee.

The artistic team for “A Civil War Christmas” includes direction by Tessa Carr, assistant direction by Richard Trammell, music direction by Collin Lowery, costume design by Tracy Oleinick, scenic design by Sarah Mouyal and lighting design by Deanna Fitzgerald. The cast includes: Miles Blanchett, Nicholas Brazelton, Falan Buie-Madden, London Carlisle, Sara Beth Cumella, Connor Dealy, Hannah Fluker, Nyala Hall, Johnathon Hart, Hudson Hubbard, Emily Johnson, Teyonna Johnson, Grant Lackey, Zac Moss, Logan Pace, Daphney Portis, Peter Strickland, Ebony Strong, Aariyan Tooley, Richard Trammell and Elizabeth Turner.

This performance runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one 10-minute intermission.

Talkback Thursdays

To engage in discussion around the production or learn more about the production, make plans to attend “Talkback Thursdays” after the performance for a discussion with the director and company members.

Buy Tickets

The Department of Theatre continues to take advantage of its new ticketing system. Features include the ability to choose seats online (for mainstage productions) and a new season subscription package, along with a larger range of purchasing options.

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More Information

Box Office Hours
  • Box office: 334-844-4154
  • Tuesday-Friday, from 1 – 5 p.m.
  • On weekday performances, from 1 – 8 p.m.
  • On Saturday evening performances, 6 – 8 p.m.
  • On Sunday matiness, 1 – 3 p.m.
Showtimes:
  • Thursday 11/9 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday 11/10 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday 11/12 Matinee at 2:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday 11/14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday 11/15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday 11/16* at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday 11/17 at 7:30 p.m.

*Talkback Thursday
Ticket Prices
  • General $16
  • Senior Citizen $12
  • Faculty and Staff $12
  • AU student with ID: Free
  • Non-Auburn University Student $12

Find more information online at http://www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/.

The College of Liberal Arts is the intellectual heart of the university and one of the largest colleges on Auburn's campus. The College continues its long tradition of quality education, instruction, and outreach in a number of outstanding departments. The College of Liberal Arts is composed of the School of Communication and Journalism, the University College, and twelve departments which are divided into four academic areas: fine arts, humanities, communications, and social sciences. Our graduates hold a strong record of industry employment and/or acceptance into graduate schools and training programs, both here and abroad.