I'm constantly in awe of the performers that make that tiny theatre feel like it has all the resources necessary for a caliber production worth far more than the price of admission. Every single time we go to one, I am filled with envy of each of the performers and always tell myself I'm going to audition for the next play and fulfill one thing on my bucket list (then the next one comes and goes and I say I'm going to do it next time, etc).But my lack of any plays on my acting resume is not the focus of my thoughts tonight.
Tonight we saw The Civil War performed at HCT. Usually the plays we see there are comedic in nature and we leave having laughed the entire time--but this musical had a much different feel to it, as you can imagine. The stories told and the journey into that time in our country's history are significant and worthwhile. If you haven't seen it, you should go see it. Click here for tickets and support local theatre! (I get zero commission for tickets sold).
I had many thoughts and observations during this musical, two of which I think are worth noting:
1) I am amazed at how great of hair so many men in this valley have and I'd kill for just one day with the hair I used to have, which I think was equally as great. You should see some of the locks of hair flowing in The Civil War...and the facial hair, don't even get me started on the facial hair. I mean, as if I'm not already jealous of these guys for them being in plays and being able to sing and act, etc, I am green over the ease they boast with regards to facial hair. Ugh. If only.
2) The racial lines are clear in this play and, obviously, the topic of slavery is at the forefront. In the play, there is a married older couple--black slaves, Clayton and Bessie Toler. Coincidentally enough, the characters of Clayton and Bessie were played by two African-Americans who are in fact married outside of their theatrical responsibilities.
Lita Little Giddins played the role of Bessie, and she was fantastic, emotional, and quite endearing.
The role of Clayton was played by her real life husband, as I mentioned, Kevin Giddins. While I was impressed with the way that Kevin and Lita portrayed their characters on stage and the way they let emotion tell the story of what the slaves must have been going through during that time, I was even more impressed with what I think is probably Kevin's life philosophy--and I read it in his bio in the show program.
After mentioning his work outside of theatre it goes on to explain that he was raised in a home with eleven brothers and sisters. Then, Kevin says something very interesting in his bio--which I'm assuming he wrote and believes wholeheartedly in.
"His father was Catholic and his mother was Baptist while he, being raised in a Jewish community, a high school girlfriend who was Pentacostal, and boyhood friends Jehova Witness, his sister's a Muslim, and Kevin served an LDS mission. Kevin's middle name is 'Diversity' and a civil war NEVER erupted in his home because there was an awareness of what was...a hope of what could be...and, love."
There were several instances in the musical that nearly brought me to tears (or maybe did bring me to tears), but these words in Kevin's bio struck the same type of emotional feelings. I found it so fitting to read those words, especially during this time in our country where tolerance of ALL people's beliefs and ideas is lacking.
Kevin's family and social circles sound as diverse as one could possibly be, and he made it a point to stress the respect they all had for each other's beliefs and thoughts--so much respect that a civil war NEVER erupted amongst his family. I love the way that is worded in his bio.
My family features many different types as well--straight, gay, Mormon, Catholic, Baptist, Athiest, Agnostic, drug addicts, alcoholics, and so on and so forth. Yet, I've seen some civil wars erupt in our family. Fortunately, I've also seen those civil wars seem to be repaired, at least a little bit, but it's still sad to see it happen sometimes.
The point is, I know there are so many families that allow a civil war to erupt because they aren't willing to just have an awareness of what was, a hope of what could be, and love. And it really isn't worth the loss.
Support gay marriage...oppose gay marriage...so what? Just respectfully believe what you believe and love each other regardless. Think the Mormons are a cult...or that the Catholic church is corrupt...or that Athiests just don't see the point...or that believers of God are in fact often blinded...or whatever the case may be? Fine. Great. Respectfully believe it and don't let these issues cause a civil war to erupt in your families.
My hope for my little Etta is that she can become a well-rounded, culturally sound young woman and be able to see people for who they are and respect all walks of life--regardless of her personal thoughts on the subjects at hand.I love the diversity and differences in my family. There may be areas where I differ slightly, but I think that's ok, and it doesn't change how much I love my family. And it certainly doesn't change my respect for them.
Sometimes the world scares me when I think of Etta growing up in it. But, the majority of the time, I'm fine because I truly think that, like Ann Frank said, people are mostly just good, despite all the evil (I'm paraphrasing and too lazy to look it up exact
ly, but you get the point).
So, in conclusion, conduct yourself in ways so as to not allow a civil war to erupt amongst your families, and I'll help Etta do the same. :)
Also, I understand Kevin Giddins lives here in Orem...if anyone knows him, tell him thank you and great work on The Civil War.
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