THEATRE + COMEDY

On Friday, July 1, more than a dozen local actors and singers will explore issues of slavery, national unity, and the bonds of family when the Lee College Visual and Performing Arts Division (VPA) presents Frank Wildhorn’s The Civil War.

The musical, which draws on letters, diaries and first-hand accounts by historical figures including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Walt Whitman, is a collaborative effort between the college’s Instrumental Music, Theatre and Vocal Arts Departments.

“The story line for The Civil War is comprised of a series of vignettes, each describing a different aspect of the war,” explained Lee Theatre Director Amanda Murray. “The result of this format is a very intimate and personal depiction of a pivotal moment in our country’s history.”

A small ensemble ensures that this sense of intimacy is translated on stage, adds Vocal Arts Director John Weinel. “Our cast includes local residents, current and former Lee College students, as well as students from both the Early College High School and Crosby High School.”

Featured cast members include Mark Gossett, Tymothee Jones, Kaylie Bell, Nicole Norwood, Cesar Castro, Kevin Lewis, Josue Banda, and Michael Davis.

Dr. Weinel and Lee College Instrumental Music Director Dr. Ken Booker will team with local musicians including Alan Johnson, Brian Hoff, and Josh Artall to provide musical accompaniment.

The Visual and Performing Arts Division is partnering with Community Resource Credit Union (CRCU) to honor local veterans attending the opening night performance.

“Community Resource Credit Union is providing tickets to all veterans and spouses attending our opening night performance,” said Booker. “Those veterans attending the celebration will be provided with reserved seating and will be recognized at the conclusion of the musical.”

In order to participate in the opening night celebration, veterans must send their name (and if possible, photograph), date and branch of service, and address to the Lee College Theatre Department. In exchange, the department will provide veterans with two complimentary tickets to the opening night performance.

Names and photos of servicemen and women will be accepted until Friday, June 10, and should be submitted via email to vpa@lee.edu. Photographs must be in .jpeg format.

The Civil War will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, and at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. All performances will be held in the Main Performance Hall of the Lee College Performing Arts Center (PAC), located at 200 Lee Drive in Baytown, TX. Admission prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased by calling the reservation line at 281-425-6255, or at the box office on the day of the performance.

For additional information, contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department at vpa@lee.edu.  

Lee College in Baytown, Texas, serves a geographic area of more than 280,000 residents that includes the Goose Creek, Anahuac, Barbers Hill, East Chambers, Hardin, Huffman, Hull-Daisetta, and Liberty Independent School Districts. To learn more about Lee College, visit www.lee.edu.