The Cheraw Chronicle – World War II musical to be performed at the Ansonia Theatre

“War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II,” a musical journey through a war that redefined the world, will be performed at the Ansonia Theatre in Wadesboro on Sunday, May 20.
This multi-media living history cabaret is interspersed with personal letters from the front and headline news of the period. The production is a warm reminiscence and a harrowing reminder of a time when the whole world seemed upside-down. Award winning artists David zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt fill the stage with wartime memories and tunes. Actual veterans stories create a sentimental journey back through the days when blackouts and rationing were a small sacrifice in order to obtain freedom.
A time when Rosie the Riveter discovered she could take care of herself; a time when African-Americans, who were segregated at home, integrated abroad to become heroes; and when a man’s only wish was to be home for Christmas.
“War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II” explores the dark side of war and the strange juxtaposition of the light hearted, popular tunes of the time. Musical Director Julie Florin recreates a nostalgic score of familiar tunes. Twenty-two songs of the period lift the mood — even as the atrocities of war are described.
Songs include “Love Letters,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree,” “This Is The Army” and “Mr. Jones.”
This family show allows the “greatest generation” to celebrate, as the next “greatest generation” contemplates.
“War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II” was recently filmed by UNC-TV, North Carolina’s statewide public television station, to air as a companion piece to the epic WWII documentary series “THE WAR” by legendary filmmaker Ken Burns. The edited-for-television version premiered Dec. 11 as part of UNC-TV’s North Carolina WWII documentary project and is scheduled for national distribution through American Public Television.
To make this a very special community event, there will be a 20 minute “pre-show.” Students from History and English classes at Anson New Tech High School have written an original play about America’s history from 1910 to 1940 which they will perform prior to the professional production. The theater hopes to have a group of the remaining WWII veterans in attendance to be recognized.
Performances will be held at the Ansonia Theatre, 112 S. Rutherford St., Wadesboro. Doors open at 2 p.m. The pre-show begins at 2:30 p.m., followed by a 10 to 15 minute intermission and then War Bonds will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are required and may be obtained by calling the Anson County Arts Council 704-694-4950 or at Lacy’s or the Chamber of Commerce, or by using Pay Pal at www.ansoniatheatre.com. Early ticket purchases are encouraged.