Civil War Voices - Dennis Courtney

“A soul-stirring crowd pleaser ...
splendidly entertaining.” BackStage
Sheila Geltzer and Bob Ost/Wildly Productive Productions
and Rough and Ready LLC in association present
a musical
remembrance
by James R. Harris
Featuring the songs of the period,
original arrangements by Mark Hayes
The real words, the real music.
The real heart of a country divided.
“Brings the War Between the States to life in text and song….
Beautifully sung…. Quite touching.” Theatermania
Here’s what the
reviewers
had to say
“A fluid compilation of historical text,
drawn from diaries, letters, and other
Civil War–era writings, and period
songs, arranged by Mark Hayes, “Civil
War Voices” is a soul-stirring crowd
pleaser. Created by James R. Harris, the
90-minute show is deftly performed by
10 terrific actor-singers, well-staged by
director-choreographer Dennis Courtney,
and energetically accompanied by
violinist Austin Hartman and musical
director Laura Bergquist on keyboard ...
Splendidly entertaining.”
BackStage
“From the moment the haunting strains
of the violin and piano begin, you know
you are in for something special.…
stirring, emotionally driven, powerfully
written words … A stellar cast. It is
impossible, to single out just one performer, as this ten person multitalented
group displays superb vocals and adds
a realism that makes you feel their joys
and their pains. Director Dennis Courtney
understands the use of understatement
and … allows the stories to stand on
their own … You will leave the theatre
enlightened, renewed and singing Dixie.”
Times Square Chronicle
“The history of the Civil War has never
been presented so creatively as in this
production written by Jim Harris….
Hardships, chilling stories of battle and
death, injustices and hope for the future
are all cleverly intertwined with songs
of the period, newly arranged by Mark
Hayes…. Spectacular music, a total of 17
songs, woven in and through the actual
dialogue… sung by a stellar cast with
poignancy and inspiring emotions….
Creatively staged and directed by Dennis
Courtney … grand authentic costuming
by Janell Berte…. Civil War Voices is an
essential piece of American history.”
examiner.com
Contact
[email protected]
(402)434-9444
Here’s what the
theater industry
had to say
“Stirring, delicately staged, and
choreographed. Movingly sung. Great
orchestrations. Can you tell I really
really loved it. There should be life for
this piece!! It brings the magnitude of that
period down to a human level. Bravo!”
Cheryl Wiesenfeld, producer
(A Steady Rain, Legally Blonde,
The Exonerated, Elaine Stritch: At Liberty)
“A wonderful production. I was entertained,
moved and enlightened. The ensemble is
first class - perfectly cast: looks, voice and
acting. The use of the stage, the costumes
and lights were excellent.”
Ken Waissman, producer
(original Grease, Torch Song Trilogy,
Agnes of God)
“It was very moving and enlightening, and
really the best show I’ve seen at any of the
NYC festivals in a long time.”
Mark Hollman, composer
(Urinetown)
“The show has such incredible flow, the
story is so beautifully told - you know how
seldom we see a well-written book these
days and to construct a good story out
of diaries and songs is pretty impressive.
The show’s structure is so simple and so
emotional - it’s really excellent.”
Toni Hart, writer
Production Details:
• Scored for 6 men, 4 women
• Arranged for piano, violin
• Optional percussion, trumpet
• Conceived for flexible unit set
Cast Photos Include:
Danielle Lee Greaves*
Stephen Hope*
Dani Marcus*
Michael Markham
Arthur W. Marks*
Michael Sample*
Stephen Trafton*
Catherine Fries Vaughn*
Bruce Warren*
Carly Zien*
*Member of Actors Equity Association
Directed by Dennis Courtney
Musical Director Laura Bergquist