The following is a Loudoun Times-Mirrorreview written March 12, 1997 of the March 7 performance of TheWaterford Girls: ALL FOR THE UNION in Confederate Virginia!
Theater in Review - Patti H. Snodgrass
McMath's 'Waterford Girls' Commands Attention-
Full of genuine warmth and humor, history comes tolife - in art - with the production of "The Waterford Girls: All forthe Union," being performed at the Blue Ridge Middle School.
The original script, by Loudoun's own MeredithBean McMath, breathes new life into the historical stories of someyoung women living in Waterford who cleverly managed to revel in lifeand endure the personal hardships of the Civil War.
Charm abounds in this theatrical evening. Morelike a series of vignettes than a drama, the small moments thatcomprise the action come to life as the best memories will inanyone's life. They are the recollections of dramatic events,romantic interludes and noble humanity, some of them true.
Like a documentary, the show depicts the realityof life in a particular place at a particular time. Like the bestentertainment, it features characters who appeal to theaudience.
The production's charm and humor Friday capturedthe imaginations of children as well as adults.
As Lida Dutton, Elizabeth Nichols rules the stage,but Meghann Godfrey as Lizzie Dutton and Mary Price as Maggie Lodenmake strong showings. Rodney Sauter as Confederate Lt. John Milbroweand Mark Zielke as Union Lt. J. William Hutchinson turn in dashingand memorable performances that, more than a century later, make itdifficult to choose sides.
The Growing Stage makes use of local talent, whichflourishes in a production far more professional than its schoolhouse stage might indicate. Even with microphones, it is difficult tohear some of the lesser characters, but the story is easy to follow,and the show's pace is just right.
A cast filled with friends and neighbors is sureto entertain local audience members, but the remarkable story thatunfolds is well worth the attention of audiences from afar.