A Civil War Christmas
by Paula Vogel, Daryl Waters

Name: A Civil War Christmas
Brand: Paula Vogel
SKU: 9781559363785
Rating: 3.42 (41 reviews)

A Civil War Christmas Book Cover — A Civil War Christmas Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 minsAmerican Historical Christmas

Why we like it

"Paula Vogel's 'A Civil War Christmas' intertwines historical context with the holiday spirit, creating a poignant narrative of hope amidst strife."

From: Holiday Plays

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the unique perspective on historical events presented in the play, praising Paula Vogel's ability to balance a large cast within a nostalgic narrative. Many enjoy the incorporation of period songs and find the material engaging, especially for Civil War enthusiasts. However, some feel that the narration detracts from the overall experience.

Unique historical perspectiveEngaging for Civil War enthusiastsTouching narrative with nostalgiaExcessive narration detracts slightly

Synopsis

“A rich and moving play with music…A Civil War Christmas taps into seasonal themes of redemption, forgiveness and community, with a decidedly American bent.”

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Variety

“Ms.

Vogel manages to humanize her many characters in a few crisp strokes of dialogue, so they come across as full-blooded people glimpsed clearly, rather than as talking statues in a historical diorama.”

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New York Times

A new holiday classic from Paula Vogel, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of How I Learned to Drive

Set on a chilly Christmas Eve during the latter days of the Civil War, Paula Vogel’s pageant play for all seasons weaves a tapestry of both fictional and historical characters, such as President and Mrs. Lincoln—together with holiday music, hymns and spirituals of the period—to tell a story of companionship and communal hope arising from one of our nation’s darkest hours.

This volume also features a conversation between the author and the noted historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

ThemesHistory

Press Reviews

"Ms. Vogel manages to humanize most of her many characters in a few crisp strokes of dialogue, so they come across as full-blooded people, glimpsed clearly if quickly, rather than talking statues in a historical diorama.” —The New York Times. “Artfully weaves historic details into the play [and] pulls it together with economical writing that reflects the poetry of the day.” —Variety. “Deep-rooted and ambitious…a fascinating interface of history and fiction…boldly inventive theater, warm and affecting."
— Talkin' Broadway