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A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel

Presented by Huntington Theatre Company at Boston University Theatre, Mainstage

November 13-December 13, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (3.0 Stars):
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It is Christmas Eve, 1864 - the coldest Washington, D.C. has seen in years. As the national conflict threatens to divide the country forever, President and Mrs. Lincoln prepare for the holiday, a young rebel appeals to a Union blacksmith for mercy, and an escaped slave searches for her missing daughter as she journeys to freedom. Their stories and others interweave into a moving tapestry of collective American experience in this new play with music by Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive). This instant family classic is the perfect alternative to Dickens' A Christmas Carol  - a distinctly American holiday event that will feature artists from throughout the Boston community as well as local choirs singing before each show.

"Holiday entertainment of the most deeply satisfying kind! Ambitious in scope and generous in spirit. An enduring piece of theatre for Christmases yet to come." - The Boston Globe

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Boston University Theatre, Mainstage

    264 Huntington Avenue
    Boston, MA 02115

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets: $20-$82.50 $25 "35 Below" tickets for patrons 35 years and younger (valid I.D. required). $5 senior and military discounts. $10 Subscriber and B.U. Community discounts. $20 back row of the balcony (limited availability) $15 student rush seats (available two hours before curtain time for each performance)

    Info Phone: 617 266-0800

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    November 13-December 13, 2009

    Times:
    Fri. 11/13 @ 8pm
    Sat. 11/14 @ 8pm
    Sun. 11/15 @ 7pm
    Tues. 11/17 @ 7:30pm*
    Wed. 11/18 @ 7pm - Opening Night
    Thurs. 11/19 @ 7:30pm*
    Fri. 11/20 @ 8pm
    Sat. 11/21 @ 2pm & 8pm
    Sun. 11/22 @ 2pm & 7pm
    Mon. 11/23 @ 7:30pm
    Tues. 11/24 @ 7:30pm*
    Fri. 11/27 @ 2pm & 7:30pm
    Sat. 11/28 @ 2pm & 8pm
    Sun. 11/29 @ 2pm
    Tues. 12/1 @ 7:30pm
    Wed. 12/2 @ 7:30pm
    Thurs. 12/3 @ 7:30pm
    Fri. 12/4 @ 8pm
    Sat. 12/5 @ 2pm & 8pm
    Sun. 12/6 @ 2pm*
    Tues. 12/8 @ 7:30pm
    Wed. 12/9 @ 2pm* & 7:30pm
    Thurs. 12/10 @ 7:30pm
    Fri. 12/11 @ 8pm
    Sat. 12/12 @ 2pm & 8pm
    Sun. 12/13 @ 2pm
    
    *Related special events FREE with the purchase of a ticket:
    
    Tues. 11/17 @ 7:30pm* - Playwright's Forum
    
    Thurs. 11/19 @ 7:30pm* - Out & About Club: G.L.B.T. audience members are invited to a post-show party at the theatre.
    
    Tues. 11/24 @ 7:30pm* - Actor's Forum: Participating members of the cast take questions after the performance.
    
    Sun. 12/6 @ 2pm* - Humanities Forum: A lively post-performance session on the historical and literary context of the show.
    
    Wed. 12/9 @ 2pm* - Actor's Forum: Participating members of the cast take questions after the performance.

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    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Theater Goer"
      Review posted by: Jayne Rhode Island from RI, Dec 16, 2009
      

      I enjoyed this performance very much. The singing was great. I did like the "horse" it took talent to duplicate the horses actions! I thought the second half was a bit long. All in all, it was well... Expand

      I enjoyed this performance very much. The singing was great. I did like the "horse" it took talent to duplicate the horses actions! I thought the second half was a bit long. All in all, it was well done! Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Our whole family loved it!"
      Review posted by: mom from Beverly, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      Lot's of talent on the stage. Great for our family with elementary aged kids.

      Lot's of talent on the stage. Great for our family with elementary aged kids.

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Celebration of America's not-so-distant past"
      Review posted by: a.senecal from Boston, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      In addition to the sublime singing and creative use of actors, the thing that struck me the most about this show was the historical accuracy. For example, the thriving black community of Civil War... Expand

      In addition to the sublime singing and creative use of actors, the thing that struck me the most about this show was the historical accuracy. For example, the thriving black community of Civil War Washington, DC and (though often portrayed only as a frivolous spendthrift), a more complete picture of Mary Todd Lincoln emerges here. We very much enjoyed the experience. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Pure pablum"
      Review posted by: Rand Peabody from Medford, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      The entire, drawn-out production suffered from uni-dimensional characterizations, and a simpering Lincoln to boot. And what a boring and predictable welter of sub-plots, all sprinkled in Disneyland... Expand

      The entire, drawn-out production suffered from uni-dimensional characterizations, and a simpering Lincoln to boot. And what a boring and predictable welter of sub-plots, all sprinkled in Disneyland pixie-dust. Plus, we were appalled at the banality of comic assassins (especially considering the historical fact, known to everyone, that they would indeed succeed a scant hundred days later)! And did we mention our disdain at the moral vacuum around the ridiculous "resolution" of the "shoot-your-prisoners" issue. . . Come on Huntington! Don't squander your good reputation on this sort of fare! Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Disappointed"
      Review posted by: Genevieve from Andover, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      Although I usually enjoy plays at the Huntington, this was a big disappointment. There were too may story lines and the play was at least 1 hour too long. The "horse" and rider were especially... Expand

      Although I usually enjoy plays at the Huntington, this was a big disappointment. There were too may story lines and the play was at least 1 hour too long. The "horse" and rider were especially annoying and farcical. The plot was contrived and boring. Four of us attended and all were bored and restless. We would have left if it wouldn't have disturbed others. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "A new low"
      Review posted by: Madwomanintheattic from Boston, MA, Dec 05, 2009
      

      Every nauseating cliche in the book filled this production full to overflowing. Given the real talents of the actors, it must have been an embarrassment for them to put cotton balls on their faces to... Expand

      Every nauseating cliche in the book filled this production full to overflowing. Given the real talents of the actors, it must have been an embarrassment for them to put cotton balls on their faces to personify poor Walt Whitman or to read the awful lines ascribed to Clara Barton, Mrs. Lincoln, and just about everyone else. This pathetic enterprise has put our paid 23 year subscription to an end at the Huntington. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Boston lowbrow review"
      Comment posted by: Boston lowbrow from Boston, Dec 04, 2009
      

      Posted a review on Boston lowbrow here, http://www.bostonlowbrow.com/2009/11/the-holidays-at-the-huntington-a-civil-war-christmas/

      Posted a review on Boston lowbrow here, http://www.bostonlowbrow.com/2009/11/the-holidays-at-the-huntington-a-civil-war-christmas/

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Not what I expected"
      Review posted by: nm from Boston, MA, Dec 03, 2009
      

      Even though the subject matter was interesting, there were too many story lines. Sometimes less is more. The production did drag during the second half. Overall, though, it was nostalgic.

      Even though the subject matter was interesting, there were too many story lines. Sometimes less is more. The production did drag during the second half. Overall, though, it was nostalgic.

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Good voices, too long and too many stories"
      Review posted by: Sue from Framingham, MA, Dec 03, 2009
      

      I agree with what many of the other people who reviewed this play have said. Great voices, but way too much going on and too many stories all at once. We had seven in our party and we all "liked"... Expand

      I agree with what many of the other people who reviewed this play have said. Great voices, but way too much going on and too many stories all at once. We had seven in our party and we all "liked" it--no one "loved" it Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Flawed, but worth seeing"
      Review posted by: Michael Ryle from Eastham, MA, Dec 03, 2009
      

      There are fine voices in this production, and some fine actors, which make it a good choice to get yourself in the Christmas spirit. However, the show suffers from the author's attempt to tell too... Expand

      There are fine voices in this production, and some fine actors, which make it a good choice to get yourself in the Christmas spirit. However, the show suffers from the author's attempt to tell too many stories in one play, and to present them in a quasi-cinematic fashion, i.e., rapidly shifting scenes, some consisting of just a few lines of dialogue. We're used to this sort of thing in the movies, but for me it didn't work on stage. By the end the storyline had become so choppy, so fragmented into little pieces that I had given up trying to keep up with it and just didn't care that much. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "First rate"
      Review posted by: Jack Kavanagh from Brookline, MA, Dec 02, 2009
      

      This performance was excellent- the singing outstanding. I have been a student of the Civil War for many years and I could find no flaws- just an enjoyable evening. The casting was perfect

      This performance was excellent- the singing outstanding. I have been a student of the Civil War for many years and I could find no flaws- just an enjoyable evening. The casting was perfect

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Too Much"
      Review posted by: Elaine, Jamaica Plain from Jamaica Plain, MA, Dec 02, 2009
      

      Though I thought this had some interesting components (esp the historical aspects) , the swath of events was too ambitious for the constraints that a dramatic offering lives within. Result was: too... Expand

      Though I thought this had some interesting components (esp the historical aspects) , the swath of events was too ambitious for the constraints that a dramatic offering lives within. Result was: too much and too long. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "So long, O Lord."
      Review posted by: Grampa Jim from Connecticut, Dec 02, 2009
      

      While the music and acting were very pleasing, the show dragged in spots and was longer than needed for the show's content. As a result, the audience's interest drooped as the show wore on.

      While the music and acting were very pleasing, the show dragged in spots and was longer than needed for the show's content. As a result, the audience's interest drooped as the show wore on.

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Liked it!"
      Review posted by: Samantha Browne from Arlington, MA USA, Nov 23, 2009
      

      I really liked this show. I liked the authentic Civil War era carols and songs and I thought the acting was very genuine and heartfelt. Had a lot of funny moments and was overall a touching play.

      I really liked this show. I liked the authentic Civil War era carols and songs and I thought the acting was very genuine and heartfelt. Had a lot of funny moments and was overall a touching play.

• Media
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    Video Video | Images Images

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Theater Goer"
      Review posted by: Jayne Rhode Island from RI, Dec 16, 2009
      

      I enjoyed this performance very much. The singing was great. I did like the "horse" it took talent to duplicate the horses actions! I thought the second half was a bit long. All in all, it was well... Expand

      I enjoyed this performance very much. The singing was great. I did like the "horse" it took talent to duplicate the horses actions! I thought the second half was a bit long. All in all, it was well done! Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Our whole family loved it!"
      Review posted by: mom from Beverly, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      Lot's of talent on the stage. Great for our family with elementary aged kids.

      Lot's of talent on the stage. Great for our family with elementary aged kids.

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Celebration of America's not-so-distant past"
      Review posted by: a.senecal from Boston, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      In addition to the sublime singing and creative use of actors, the thing that struck me the most about this show was the historical accuracy. For example, the thriving black community of Civil War... Expand

      In addition to the sublime singing and creative use of actors, the thing that struck me the most about this show was the historical accuracy. For example, the thriving black community of Civil War Washington, DC and (though often portrayed only as a frivolous spendthrift), a more complete picture of Mary Todd Lincoln emerges here. We very much enjoyed the experience. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Pure pablum"
      Review posted by: Rand Peabody from Medford, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      The entire, drawn-out production suffered from uni-dimensional characterizations, and a simpering Lincoln to boot. And what a boring and predictable welter of sub-plots, all sprinkled in Disneyland... Expand

      The entire, drawn-out production suffered from uni-dimensional characterizations, and a simpering Lincoln to boot. And what a boring and predictable welter of sub-plots, all sprinkled in Disneyland pixie-dust. Plus, we were appalled at the banality of comic assassins (especially considering the historical fact, known to everyone, that they would indeed succeed a scant hundred days later)! And did we mention our disdain at the moral vacuum around the ridiculous "resolution" of the "shoot-your-prisoners" issue. . . Come on Huntington! Don't squander your good reputation on this sort of fare! Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Disappointed"
      Review posted by: Genevieve from Andover, MA, Dec 16, 2009
      

      Although I usually enjoy plays at the Huntington, this was a big disappointment. There were too may story lines and the play was at least 1 hour too long. The "horse" and rider were especially... Expand

      Although I usually enjoy plays at the Huntington, this was a big disappointment. There were too may story lines and the play was at least 1 hour too long. The "horse" and rider were especially annoying and farcical. The plot was contrived and boring. Four of us attended and all were bored and restless. We would have left if it wouldn't have disturbed others. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "A new low"
      Review posted by: Madwomanintheattic from Boston, MA, Dec 05, 2009
      

      Every nauseating cliche in the book filled this production full to overflowing. Given the real talents of the actors, it must have been an embarrassment for them to put cotton balls on their faces to... Expand

      Every nauseating cliche in the book filled this production full to overflowing. Given the real talents of the actors, it must have been an embarrassment for them to put cotton balls on their faces to personify poor Walt Whitman or to read the awful lines ascribed to Clara Barton, Mrs. Lincoln, and just about everyone else. This pathetic enterprise has put our paid 23 year subscription to an end at the Huntington. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Boston lowbrow review"
      Comment posted by: Boston lowbrow from Boston, Dec 04, 2009
      

      Posted a review on Boston lowbrow here, http://www.bostonlowbrow.com/2009/11/the-holidays-at-the-huntington-a-civil-war-christmas/

      Posted a review on Boston lowbrow here, http://www.bostonlowbrow.com/2009/11/the-holidays-at-the-huntington-a-civil-war-christmas/

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Not what I expected"
      Review posted by: nm from Boston, MA, Dec 03, 2009
      

      Even though the subject matter was interesting, there were too many story lines. Sometimes less is more. The production did drag during the second half. Overall, though, it was nostalgic.

      Even though the subject matter was interesting, there were too many story lines. Sometimes less is more. The production did drag during the second half. Overall, though, it was nostalgic.

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Good voices, too long and too many stories"
      Review posted by: Sue from Framingham, MA, Dec 03, 2009
      

      I agree with what many of the other people who reviewed this play have said. Great voices, but way too much going on and too many stories all at once. We had seven in our party and we all "liked"... Expand

      I agree with what many of the other people who reviewed this play have said. Great voices, but way too much going on and too many stories all at once. We had seven in our party and we all "liked" it--no one "loved" it Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Flawed, but worth seeing"
      Review posted by: Michael Ryle from Eastham, MA, Dec 03, 2009
      

      There are fine voices in this production, and some fine actors, which make it a good choice to get yourself in the Christmas spirit. However, the show suffers from the author's attempt to tell too... Expand

      There are fine voices in this production, and some fine actors, which make it a good choice to get yourself in the Christmas spirit. However, the show suffers from the author's attempt to tell too many stories in one play, and to present them in a quasi-cinematic fashion, i.e., rapidly shifting scenes, some consisting of just a few lines of dialogue. We're used to this sort of thing in the movies, but for me it didn't work on stage. By the end the storyline had become so choppy, so fragmented into little pieces that I had given up trying to keep up with it and just didn't care that much. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "First rate"
      Review posted by: Jack Kavanagh from Brookline, MA, Dec 02, 2009
      

      This performance was excellent- the singing outstanding. I have been a student of the Civil War for many years and I could find no flaws- just an enjoyable evening. The casting was perfect

      This performance was excellent- the singing outstanding. I have been a student of the Civil War for many years and I could find no flaws- just an enjoyable evening. The casting was perfect

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Too Much"
      Review posted by: Elaine, Jamaica Plain from Jamaica Plain, MA, Dec 02, 2009
      

      Though I thought this had some interesting components (esp the historical aspects) , the swath of events was too ambitious for the constraints that a dramatic offering lives within. Result was: too... Expand

      Though I thought this had some interesting components (esp the historical aspects) , the swath of events was too ambitious for the constraints that a dramatic offering lives within. Result was: too much and too long. Collapse

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "So long, O Lord."
      Review posted by: Grampa Jim from Connecticut, Dec 02, 2009
      

      While the music and acting were very pleasing, the show dragged in spots and was longer than needed for the show's content. As a result, the audience's interest drooped as the show wore on.

      While the music and acting were very pleasing, the show dragged in spots and was longer than needed for the show's content. As a result, the audience's interest drooped as the show wore on.

    • Event Name: A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL CELEBRATION by Paula Vogel
      "Liked it!"
      Review posted by: Samantha Browne from Arlington, MA USA, Nov 23, 2009
      

      I really liked this show. I liked the authentic Civil War era carols and songs and I thought the acting was very genuine and heartfelt. Had a lot of funny moments and was overall a touching play.

      I really liked this show. I liked the authentic Civil War era carols and songs and I thought the acting was very genuine and heartfelt. Had a lot of funny moments and was overall a touching play.

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