It's not at all sympathetic to the South -- ir the North -- Charlie wants no part of the war, either for himself or his family. I recommend you see the film Shenandoah with Jimmy Stewart which the musical is based (fairly closely) on.
Cullum was wonderful and deserved his Tony. The show is more Rodgers and Hammerstein than Stephen Sondheim which is both its strength and its weakness. It was very popular in community and dinner theaters for several years, but you really need a lead who is equally strong as an actor and singer. I also saw the Ford's Theater production which I don't recall being greatly altered ( And I know the show well, having done it twice)
Gary Geld and Peter Udell also wrote the unsuccessful Angel and Purlie - which you may have heard of
Philip Rose the producer/director also produced A Raisin in the Sun, The Owl and the Pussycat, Purlie Victorious, Purlie, and Shenandoah. and directed Angel, Purlie, as well as Shenandoah, and several other shows -- I'm sort of surprised you've never heard of him |
