The Civil War

is close to the hearts of many people in the South.

The battles

were fought close to home and many residents had ancestors that fought

on either side during the tumultuous time in our nation's history. Perhaps

that is why the musical "Shenandoah" was so popular. It opened

on Broadway in 1975 and ran for more than 1,000 performances.

Southside Theater

Guild brings the touching and poignant musical to the area beginning this

Thursday.

The story focuses

on a family in Virginia. The father, played by Dennis Lewallen, vows to

keep his family, including six sons and a daughter, out of the war. When

one of his sons is kidnapped by the Union Army, after he is mistaken for

a confederate soldier, the family must get involved to go and rescue him.

Shenandoah

features a large cast, beautiful songs, exciting dance numbers, fight

scenes and a heartwarming story. The musical is directed by Eileen Baldwin,

who has been heavily involved with local theater. She began acting with

Southside Theater Guild in 1995, performing in plays like "Whose

Life is it Anyway?" and "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest."

She started directing last year, directing "Little Princess Sara

Crew" for STG and "Cheaper By The Dozen" for Fayette Community

Theatre.

The cast has

been rehearsing since February and have had a few challenges with some

cast changes in the ensemble. Many of the actors have to play more than

one role in the show.

"Shenandoah"

is appropriate for all ages and offers many levels, ranging from gaiety

to sorrow.

"Shenandoah"

will be performed Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. at the Southside Theater

Guild theater in Fairburn. Tickets for Thursday night performances are

$8, while admission to Friday and Saturday performances is $10 for adults

and $8 for children. Call 770-969-0956 for reservations or visit www.stgplays.com .

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