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Amelia, an Epic Civil War Romance

The Undercroft Theatre, Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church (900 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001)
Amelia-main
Full Price:
$40.00 - $50.00
Our Price:
$20.00 - $25.00*
4.7 by 66 members
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The Washington Stage Guild celebrates their 25th anniversary season with a world premiere play that remembers the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Amelia tells of a woman's heroic efforts to rescue her husband from the notorious prison camp at Andersonville, Georgia. This Helen Hayes-recommended play follows this woman's thrilling journey through the war-torn country, and tells the story of how she manages to affect everyone she meets along the way -- whether they help or hinder her mission. Her journey ultimately leads her through the very gates of the infamous camp where her beloved Ethan is being held.

* Additional fees apply.

All offers for Amelia have expired.

The last date listed for Amelia was Sunday February 12, 2012 / 2:30pm.

Currently at The Undercroft Theatre:

Washingtonstageguild-051112

George Bernard Shaw's Love Comedies Overruled and Village Wooing

Full Price:
$40.00 - $50.00
Our Price:
$20.00 - $25.00

The Washington Stage Guild, long known for its brilliant stagings of the works of Irish writer George Bernard Shaw, presents a pair of plays for this program, entitled Wives & Wits. The production consists of Overruled (1913) and Village Wooing (1933) -- selections that span Shaw's career and find him at his most entertaining and fun. Far from some of the acclaimed playwright's weightier works, this duo offers the chance to laugh at love, lovers and life itself. Alan Wade directs Overruled, while Laura Giannarelli helms Village Wooing. Learn More

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church,
900 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-347-9620
Theater

Goldstar Member Tips

  • on What to Wear
    Casual is fine
  • on Other
    Theater is lovely--intimate and comfortable!
  • on Other
    Loved the space - the actors used it well, too!
31 More Tips

53 Goldstar Member Reviews

Kevinsannivroses92909
Rating_5_0
The Undercroft Theatre is easy to get to, has plenty of on-street pay-to-park spaces, and signage to attract its patrons. It is a very attractive and comfortable facility, and the general admission allows patrons to choose their own seats, which is great for those who like to arrive early and sit up close.

The show itself was great: approximately 95 minutes long without intermission; with two fine actors, a woman who portrayed Amelia and a man who portrayed every other character in the play. It was at times humorous, poignant, sad and hopeful, and always engrossing.

The Washington Theatre Guild's artistic director and director of this play was there at the Friday evening performance to welcome audience members and to receive comments and questions in the lobby afterwards.

My husband and I were impressed by the venue, the play, Washington Theatre Guild, and the Goldstar experience. We highly recommend "Amelia" to you!
Written on Jan 23 2012

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A brilliant tour de force!!!! Absolutely loved loved loved this performance. This is a strong two member cast - brilliantly executed with minimal set and costumes - and the way the male lead seamlessly moved in and out of the key characters was truly a talent to behold. Compelling and heartfelt drama, this one is not to be missed. Thanks for a terrific evening out!
Written on Jan 10 2012

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Unbelievable. Two very talented actors that seemed to live their roles.I have never been disappointed by this theater group and this was no exception.
Written on Feb 06 2012

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The Undercroft Theatre is a lovely experience and I will definitely return.
"Amelia" was an interesting story - the acting was excellent.
Written on Feb 06 2012

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All 53 Reviews

More Information About Amelia

Website

http://www.stageguild.org/season.htm

Quotes & Highlights

  • "Some of the best acting I have seen on the DC stage, indeed ever seen anywhere ... this simply presented production exemplifies the astonishing power of theatre to unexpectedly grab your heart and carry you off into an adventure of the soul." --DC Theatre Scene
  • "Both Webb and Kaladjian give excellent and passionate performances. If you are an American Civil War history buff or a fan of love stories – don’t miss Washington Stage Guild’s endearing production of Amelia." --Maryland Theatre Guide (four stars)
  • Gripping... you leave with a head full of vivid pictures." --Washington City Paper

Description

Playwright Alex Webb, a long-time company member of the acclaimed Aquila Theatre Company, appeared in several of the Stage Guild's early seasons, and will return to DC as a performer, along with Shirleyann Kaladjian in the title role of Amelia.

“Alex Webb has taken a fragment of history, and spun it into a marvelous piece of stagecraft and storytelling. He personalizes the sprawling war in a way that is gripping and brilliantly theatrical. Given that our Silver Anniversary Season coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's outbreak, it's a great pleasure for us to premiere this beautiful play,” says Washington Stage Guild artistic director Bill Largess. “It's an equal pleasure to have Alex back on our stage, and to welcome Shirleyann Kaladjian as well. DC audiences know Alex from his performances at the Stage Guild and elsewhere, but we think they will be delighted by his playwriting debut.”

While researching a role in The Andersonville Trial, Webb came across a single line in an Andersonville prison journal: “Rumor has it that a woman has come in here after her man.”  That intriguing mystery inspired Amelia. “It is a little-known historical fact that there were 400 - 500 women that masqueraded as men and fought in the Civil War,” says Webb. “My play is not a celebration of the legendary generals that are so often at the center of this history. This is the Civil War from the perspective of a woman, from the perspective of the common people.”

Besides appearances in the Stage Guild's first seasons in Terra Nova, Chekhov at Yalta, and The Marriage of Figaro, Alex Webb has been seen by Washington audiences at Arena Stage (Of Mice and Men, An American Daughter), Olney Theatre (The House of Blue Leaves) and with Aquila at The Folger Theatre (the title role in Julius Caesar). He toured the country with Aquila Theatre Company and has acted at Meadowbrook Theatre outside Detroit, Rep Theatre of St Louis, and Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania.

Shirleyann Kaladjian makes her DC debut in Amelia, and has appeared regionally at the Rep Theatre of St. Louis, American Stage, Geva Theatre, Skylight Opera Theatre, Totem Pole Playhouse and Meadow Brook Theatre. In New York, she has performed at Manhattan Ensemble Theatre, Culture Project, Magnet Theatre and Upright Citizen’s Brigade. She has toured the U.S. with the Aquila Theatre Company, as well as Europe and the Middle East in everything from Shakespeare to musical theatre. TV and film appearances include Law and Order: SVU, John Waters' A Dirty Shame and the award-winning film Hove (The Wind) with Olympia Dukakis. 

Amelia will be directed by Stage Guild artistic director Bill Largess. Sets will be by Kirk Kristilibas, and costumes by Eva Gonzales De Yanes. They make their Stage Guild debuts with Amelia, as does sound designer Stowe Nelson. Marianne Meadows returns as Lighting Designer along with Arthur Nordlie as Stage Manager.

About the Ticket Supplier: The Washington Stage Guild

The Washington Stage Guild produces eloquent plays of idea and argument, passion and wit - plays from all periods of world drama enacted by a classical ensemble with a contemporary sensibility - rare plays, well done!