True Talent in Stealing Dixie

In the world of theater, it is hard to find a historical play that doesn't lull you straight to sleep. Not to mention how difficult it is to find a tale that the world hasn’t already seen before. Well world, the time has come for something new, historical and anything but dull. Phillip DePoy’s Stealing Dixie (directed by Jessica Phelps West) is the gripping story of the Andrews’ Raiders attempt to steal the confederate locomotive, The General, during the Civil War. DePoy has created a stunning script that provides a detailed look at the power and influence of war and the affect it has on the most common of men. With a stellar cast, beautiful choice in music and supported by a talented artistic staff, DePoy’s world premiere will, no doubt, be extending past it’s intended closing date.
Theater in the Square (Marietta) is the current home to this world premiere and has made some great changes to its facility to kick off the 2010-2011 season. A newly renovated front entrance and expanded lobby provides an inviting and comfortable welcome to enthusiastic audience members. As you enter the theater to take your seats the set before you evokes reactions like, “Ooh!” and “Oh wow!” and maybe even a “Oh my gosh, a train!” Yes, a train! Scenic designer Dale Brubaker has created a simple yet masterful set that is not only beautiful but creates the illusion that the stage is much larger than it really is, a plus for any theater. As you await the dim of the house lights the subtle sounds of trains perfectly set the mood. And now to the play…
A perfectly mixed cocktail of suspense, storytelling and drama is paired with subtle humor and beautiful Civil War era music to create Stealing Dixie. The play opens with our five main characters mulling around in a hotel room. James Andrews, played by Zechariah Pierce*, is a Kentucky born civilian with a plan to end the war, a plan that rests solely upon stealing the confederate train known as The General. He and his “raiders” (Scott DePoy*, Rob Lawhon*, Corey Bradberry and Bryant Smith*) review and simulate the entire heist from start to finish, all the while following Andrews’ meticulously calculated plan. As we get to know each member of the group, we journey through their memories and are introduced to a number of characters portrayed by Kylie Brown and Mary Lynn Owen* These two talented women provide the perfect amount of femininity and grace to an otherwise all-male cast. The transitions from reality to visualizing the heist and from the present to the past are beautifully executed, allowing audience members to remain completely entranced with every scene. DePoy also pairs scenes with the beautiful and slightly haunting melodies of Civil War era music, played (instrumentally) and sung live by the entire cast. Songs like “On Shiloh Hill”, “Stealing” and “Johnny has gone for a Soldier” are perfect compliments to DePoy’s script. The entire ensemble deserves a title of outstanding and is well deserving of the highest praise in theatrical performance.
Stealing Dixie is playing at Theater in the Square Tuesday through Sunday starting August 4 through September 12. Ticket information can be found at the Theater in the Square website or by calling (770) 422-8369. Trust me when I say that this is one production you won’t want to miss.

* Member of Actors Equity Association