2010 Civil War Institute to Host Actor Stephen Lang

and the Musical Performance Civil War Voices

July 2, 2010 7:00 p.m.

Gettysburg College Union Building Ballroom

The closing event for the 28th Annual Civil War Institute Conference at Gettysburg College will be a two-part presentation featuring a stirring musical production followed by a dramatic narration by one of America’s renowned actors of stage and screen, Stephen Lang.

The evening will begin with Civil War Voices, a musical that tells the compelling true life stories of five individuals who lived during the Civil War. Joe Harris was a cotton planter from Alabama with a conflicted conscience. The discovery of the existence of his Civil War diary inspired the play. Elizabeth Keckley was born a slave, bought her freedom, and became Mary Todd Lincoln's closest friend and personal assistant in the White House. Theo and Harriet Perry were a young, married couple from Texas, who were separated by the war. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was a college professor from Maine, who enlisted to fight for the Union.

These intensely human stories, taken from diaries and letters, along with new arrangements of traditional melodies of the period by composer Mark Hayes create a passionate musical experience, allowing the audience a unique peek into the past. Created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Civil War Voices will be a part of events across the county as America remembers the war that very nearly split her apart. For more information, go to www.civilwarvoices.com.

The second part of the evening will feature actor Stephen Lang. Lang is well known for his performances in the movies Gettysburg and Gods and Generals and most recently for his riveting portrayal of Colonel Miles Quaritch in the blockbuster hit Avatar. Mr. Lang will read excerpts from the recently produced CD Gettysburg. This brand new audio tour and guide presents a gripping journey through the Gettysburg Battlefield. It is based on the works of renowned historian and author, Gabor Boritt. For over thirty years, Boritt has given tours to luminaries ranging from Charlton Heston to the President of the United States - and many others. Now this unique experience is brought to thousands more through Stephen Lang's performance of the battle story and Lincoln's nation-changing address. Come see this amazing combination of talent as one of America’s great actors brings to life the work of one of Gettysburg’s great historians. Gettysburg is adapted and produced by filmmaker Jake Boritt. The performance will be followed by a question and answer session and book signing. More information will be available at www.boritt.com in late June.

The event is free and open to the general public. Seats will be available on a first come, first served basis. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College and the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.