BWW Reviews: History Comes Alive in SESQUICENTENNIAL - THE CIVIL WAR REMEMBERED at Capital Fringe

By: Jul. 22, 2013
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It's a class reunion at West Point and there's an excitement in the air. It's been 40 years since the class of 1843 graduated and former West Point grad and President Ulysses S. Grant is getting ready to speak. Patriotic music plays. He walks in confidently, but with no airs and welcomes those he sees along the way. What we're about to witness is not a schmaltzy eye roll-inducing motivational speech, but a great man reflecting on where he's been in life and what an honor it has been to serve his country. In the stories alone - from growing up with a father insisting he go to West Point, struggling to provide for his family, and fighting in the Civil War, to going head to head with some of the most powerful men in the country at the time (the formidable General Robert E. Lee among them) - there are lessons to be found if you just listen for them.

In the form of storyteller "Country Joe" Rosier, Ulysses S. Grant comes to life. It is clear Mr. Rosier has studied his subject well and has a great affinity for the man. His honest and true portrayal of one of the great men in American history (he also portrays General Robert E. Lee in other performances during this year's Capital Fringe) make the 'tale-telling' hour quite well balanced. Generally speaking, there is enough historical detail to demonstrate the stories he tells are the result of copious amounts of research yet enough performance elements to keep even the most non-academic audience member engaged in the proceedings. From fiddling with his uniform as he speaks to showing visible pain as he remembers what he sacrificed along the way, the audience sees before them a real man.

Even if Rosier has a tendency to get a bit monotone when speaking around the half hour mark and the details about Grant's precise location at any given time can be bit overwhelming (particularly without a map), those quibbles can be put aside. This Fringe piece is among the more polished ones in the festival and is deserving of an audience.

Running Time: 60 Minutes.

Sesquicentennial - The Civil War Remembered has three more performances in this year's Fringe Festival. While this review covers the performance in which Rosier takes on Grant (offered two more times), there is also one more performance of him taking on the persona of General Robert E. Lee. For tickets, specific show schedules, and further information, visit the Capital Fringe website.

Graphic: Courtesy of the Production.



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