A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration by Paula Vogel, Special Benefit Show for The National Park Partners at The Chattanooga Theatre Centre will take place on Friday, Dec. 28. The program is directed by Todd Olson, with music direction by LaFrederick Thirkill
Officials said, "Abraham Lincoln's election as the 16th President of the United States was so contentious, it caused 11 Southern states to secede from the Union. On Christmas Eve, 1864, as the Civil War raged, President and Mary Todd Lincoln prepare for Christmas at the White House. This is the setting for the musical play, A Civil War Christmas, and in honor of the 155th Anniversary of the Campaign for Chattanooga, the National Park Partners invites you to attend a special benefit performance at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on Friday, December 28."
"The perfect holiday gift for a history buff, your entire family or just yourself, your ticket purchase for this one-night-only event supports the non-profit National Park Partners in the conservation of your Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, including Moccasin Bend National Archeological District. With over 9,100 acres and 80 miles of trails and waterways at the cross-section of nature, culture and history, more than one million visitors are expected to visit this year to experience these places of remembrance, reconciliation, and discovery."
Tickets for this evening are $55 each or $100 for two, with a pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. featuring hors d’oeuvres from Virginia’s Gourmet by Design; two complimentary drinks with additional cash bar available; local Civil War stories from National Park Ranger Chris Young; and a display of memorabilia from the collection of the late Mel Young, courtesy of Mrs. Sonia Young.
Guests will stroll to the Mildred M. Montague Theatre in the round for an 8 p.m. curtain. "Pulitzer-winning playwright, Paula Vogel, says that 'theatre gives us the ability to talk with our ancestors,' and in this brutally honest depiction, we are privy to relationships among the soldiers, slaves and the close bond between Mrs. Lincoln and her dressmaker, Elizabeth Keckley, who was born a slave, but bought her own freedom."
There is limited seating and advance tickets are required. Visit www.npp-ccm.org and click on “Upcoming NPP Events” to purchase tickets.