If you go
› What: “A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration”› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.› When: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Dec. 21-22 and 28-29; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 22 and 29; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 23 and 30; 7 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 20 and 27› Admission: $23-$30› For more information: 423-267-8534
On Christmas Eve 1864, as the Civil War rages, President Abraham Lincoln and wife Mary Todd are preparing for Christmas in the White House. This is the setting for “A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration,” currently playing at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St., through Dec. 30.
In honor of the 155th anniversary of the Campaign for Chattanooga, the National Park Partners invites the public to a special performance of the CTC musical on Friday, Dec. 28, which will serve as a benefit for the National Park Partners.
The perfect holiday gift for a history buff, your family or just yourself, every ticket purchased for this one-night-only event supports the nonprofit in its conservation efforts at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Moccasin Bend National Archeological District.
Tickets for this special event are $55 each, $100 for two.
The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. featuring hors d’oeuvres from Virginia’s Gourmet by Design, two complimentary drinks (additional cash bar available), local Civil War stories from National Park Ranger Chris Young and a display of memorabilia from the collection of the late Mel Young, courtesy of Sonia Young.
Guests will move into the Mildred Montague Circle Theatre for an 8 p.m. performance. Coffee and dessert will be served during intermission.
The musical’s Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel says that “theater gives us the ability to talk with our ancestors,” and in this brutally honest depiction of war, audience members are privy to relationships among soldiers, slaves and the close bond between Mrs. Lincoln and her dressmaker, Elizabeth Keckley, who was born a slave but bought her own freedom.
Reservations in advance are required due to limited seating. For tickets, go to www.npp-ccm.org, then scroll down to click “Upcoming NPP Events.”
“A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration” is directed by Todd Olson, with musical direction by LaFrederick Thirkill.