Review of The Civil War

Date night, girls night out, Mommy/Daughter date . . . it doesn't matter. You're going to want to get to Hale Center Theater in West Valley and catch a performance of Frank Wildhorn's The Civil War. I was privileged to go see this on opening night, which was Tuesday, February 19th. Wow! I was completely blown away.

I am familiar with Wildhorn's work: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jekyl & Hyde and a myriad of others, but didn't know what to expect from this musical . . . however, I had high expectations. Every one of them was met.

Initially, I went to see the show because Merrill was in it. I'm one of those friends, aunts, sisters, daughters and most importantly, wives, who likes to support anyone falling into one of the above mentioned roles in my life. Merrill is my friend. He is a marvelous man and entertainer. Hence I was front and center.

Two girlfriends and I were there at the theater on opening night. The opening words of the first song . . . "Brother, my brother . . ." tugged at my heart immediately. As most Americans know this war was brother against brother, father against son . . . it was the most horrifying conflict in the history of America where 620,000 Americans lost their lives.

This musical follows several story threads which bring to light and understanding what was going on in the hearts and minds of the men who fought in this terrible war which preserved our nation.

One thread in particular follows the love story of Sullivan Ballou and his sweet wife, Sarah. On the eve of his final battle, he wrote this letter to his wife:

July 14, 1861
My dear Sarah,

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

As each story thread wound up, such a fierce wave of patriotism came over me. I was inspired, motivated and uplifted through this night of song and story.

In a theater in the round, Hale Center Theater has created the most unique and magnificent stage which went through 90 different stages and movement as the musical went forth. I was in awe of every aspect.

The music and lyrics touch the very depth of your soul and yes, I'm buying the Broadway CD, which can be purchased here.

The actors were brilliant. Merrill did a fantastic job. I am so proud of him! The costuming, planning, directing . . . every aspect of the musical was carefully wound around a magnificently written script. I encourage one and all to call Hale Center Theater and purchase your tickets now. You will not regret it, I promise!