Reviewed by Tony Annicone
MMAS’s latest show is an original script about the Civil War called “Ghosts of Appomattox” written by local residents and playwrights Tom Souza and Alex Salachi. A modern day college professor challenges her students to explore the relationships between key figures of the American Civil War and its aftermath. In doing so, the professor hopes that the students will be able to find connections between the lessons of the past and our present political environment. Alex was a classmate of mine at Assumption College in Worcester. Director Steve Dooner takes this well written script and brings these historical figures of U.S Grant and Robert E. Lee to life so we can look at history from a perspective and of that time period to learn that two attributes that stand out are of character and perseverance that are very sorely lacking from this current U.S. government.
The show begins with the Professor and students as they come up with a way to learn their history lessons better by immersing themselves in the study of how you can strongly disagree with someone and still eventually be able to get along and even respect their point of view without the yelling, screaming and shooting each other down like in 2018. In history class you must learn to study the past so you won’t make the same mistakes now and in the future. The “Ghosts of Appomattox” demonstrate how to be honorable in difficult circumstances and how it is still influencing current day events. “Duty, honor and Country” are as important then as they should be now. Another lesson learned is the reputation of a person should be held in high regard.
Tom and Alex blend the comic and dramatic moments wonderfully in their script with the Mark Twain and Grant scenes as prime examples of this. The first scene is comic as Twain tells Grant that he is writing about Huck Finn and jokes around with him while the second act jumps ahead 20 years to 1885 where Grant has throat cancer, went bankrupt and is finally writing his memoirs which Twain encouraged him to do. This scene is very poignant between Grant and his caring wife, Julia as well as with Twain. Steve Dooner does double duty as Grant and is excellent in this role. Playing the many facets of the character while captures the honor of this man with the comedy and pathos pouring forth into the audience. Marco Zanelli plays Robert E. Lee, complete with a Southern accent. This one is also wonderfully portrayed by him where they show how people can disagree and still conduct a civil conversation with each other and even respect the other person.
Other standout performers are Ted Zayka as Mark Twain who captures this larger than life man perfectly winning many laughs but also delivering a serious message to his friend, Ulysses and Laura Gustafson as Julia Grant who captures the warmth and caring of a doting wife who loves her husband no matter what the circumstances. The teacher and students capably set the scene with the audience being other students in this historical seminar at the college. So for a look at the past of this Country to learn how to behave honorably and have a good character, be sure to catch “Ghosts of Appomattox” at MMAS before time runs out.
GHOSTS OF APPOMATTOX (5 to 7 October)
MMAS, 888 South Main St, Mansfield, MA
1(508)339-2822 or www.mmas.org
