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When you've got multiple Helen Hayes Awards nominees listed in your cast — as understudies — you know a production isn't exactly going to be lacking in fantastic performers.
And indeed, the cast of Ford's Theatre's production of The Civil War is filled to the brim with powerhouse voices and magnetic presences. It's the material that's a little lacking.
The musical comes to us from Frank Wildhorn, a composer whom critics love to hate. His shows range from the over-maligned (The Scarlet Pimpernel's not exactly competing with Oklahoma! for theatrical significance, but it's a fun show) to undeniably dreadful (Dracula: The Musical). The Civil War falls somewhere in between.
The show's songs produce some cringe-worthy moments; it's not that the lyrics are clumsy, it's that they're cheesy. Chief offenders in this arena include numbers like "For The Glory" and "The Honor of Your Name." There's also the undeniably sanitized feel that the show has — it's hard to wince at the earnest portrayal of suffering slaves, but the wash the war is given (apparently every soldier out there, South or North, saw every man as his brother) stretches credibility.
The work, however, still produces some lovely moments, whether it be the lilting "Sara," sung in tribute to a wife left behind, or the stirring "Candle in The Window" which invokes a meditative Lincoln. Speaking of the former president, the show's a perfect fit for Ford's Theater, and takes advantage of its historic setting, lighting up the balcony to dramatic (if a bit creepy) effect when his words are spoken.
Cast standouts include Eleasha Gamble, featured in many of the show's gospel-leaning songs, as well as Michael Lanning, his gravely, folksy voice a nice fit for his role as leader of the Northern forces. It's hard to find fault with any of the singers here, really; they each give proper, enthusiastic treatment to the show's pop and country-influenced score.
Some of Jeff Calhoun's directorial choices are more easily questioned. Modern-leaning costumes are often garish (particularly the plaid pants and gypsy skirts that seem out of place in a sea of blue and grey jackets). Having a chorus of actors dressed for a particular allegiance, and then alternating between North and South-themed songs, can lend confusion at times, too. Slide-show nods forward in history to notable moments of black achievement, showing everyone from Halle Berry to Barack Obama, also seem to connect the dots unnecessarily while breaking up continuity.
If you take The Civil War as a pop concert with country twang and a historical bent, it's easy to have a good time. Come in expecting theatrical heft, and you'll leave disappointed.
The Civil War runs through May 24 at Ford's Theatre. Tickets are available online.
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