Christmas production set in Civil War

DOWNEY - First Baptist Church of Downey's annual Christmas production remembers the Civil War this year with their production of "A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration," playing Dec. 14-16.Written by Pulitzer Prize winning author Paula Vogel, and with music composed by Daryl Waters, the production gives audience members a glimpse into Washington, D.C. in December of 1864. Among the storylines explored are President and Mrs. Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth and his fellow conspirators, Union soldiers encamped around Washington, and Mosby's Raiders, an ex-confederate vigilante group operating south of the Potomac River. A main storyline traces the journey of Hannah, a freed slave woman and her daughter, Jessa, as they make their way north to ask the President himself for food and shelter. All the characters, except for Hannah and Jessa, are portrayals of people who were actually alive in 1864. The production staff has a pastor on staff at First Baptist who is a Civil War re-enactor and has access to numerous authentic soldier uniforms, equipment and various props. He is also ensuring authentic re-enacting of characters in the show. In 1864 the country was strongly divided on the issue of which direction the country should take. "We find ourselves in a similar position now," the church said in a statement. "A Civil War Christmas" will be performed Dec. 14-16 at 7 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are free and can be obtained by calling the church office at (562) 923-1262. Tickets are needed to gain entry into the auditorium.

********** Published: November 29, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 33