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A multimedia, musical production of “Marching Through Culpeper, ” based on the historical novel that has sold over 10,000 copies, will be performed six times in the Eastern View High School auditorium. Culpeper’s commemoration the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain is being planned to include two full weekends of Civil War related activities scheduled around the show. Proceeds to benefit battlefield preservation in Culpeper County.
Synopsis: “Love across the battle lines”
Headstrong Constance Armstrong of Culpeper, Virginia—epicenter of the Civil War—struggles to keep her family alive while joining her surrogate brother, Confederate scout Frank Stringfellow, in espionage. But when she takes a wounded Union soldier into her home, their growing attraction pushes her courage to life-changing levels.
MEET THE DIRECTORS: JOHNCIE AND TIM CARLSON
The husband and wife directing team of Johncie and Tim Carlson will be at the helm as Virginia Morton’s popular Civil War novel marches onto the Eastern View High School stage. Spearheaded by the Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield (FCMB), the show will be the cornerstone event of two weekends of activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battle.
FCMB president Diane Logan says, “We are blessed to have the combined talents and experiences of Johncie and Tim shaping this show. They are passionate about theater and they love Culpeper. That’s a winning combination.”
Both Tim and Johncie Carlson are Virginia born and the couple has lived in Culpeper since 1990. Mr. Carlson has worn many hats in his lifetime including chef, business owner, photographer, teacher, husband and father. But throughout his “march” through life, the constant has been music and theater. His love of the theater arts began in church, and continued through high school and college.
After obtaining a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Richmond, he opted to channel his acting—motivating skills into the business world.
He says, “I’ve approached my life as a stage and I have worked with some wonderful people along the way. When I met my wife Johncie, we moved to Culpeper to start our life, a family, and possibly get back to performing. Yes, she too had a passion for the stage and song. We have been in Culpeper raising our three children since 1990 and I am currently owner operator of Studio C Photography with Johncie.”
Mr. Carlson has been involved in many theatrical productions in Culpeper and Richmond. His time has been equally split backstage, on stage, and the front of the house.
According to him, “The theatre is a venue for entertainment, emotions, and stories. Some of my most precious memories include the work itself, my fellow actors, and the goals attained. A few high notes are “John the Baptist” in Godspell, Stage Manager/Designer of Charlie Brown’s Christmas, and crew of Hiawatha. Not to mention the many small parts I have enjoyed as a supporting member of the story! Please join us as we celebrate a Culpeper story…a journey being told through words, actions, music, staging, lights, costumes, and audience. All parts of what we do are important and necessary. I encourage the community to open themselves to the possibilities. They may laugh and cry at the experience of…being on, behind, or in front of the stage. But each one will decide what me
mories they want to make…it will be fun!”
The other half of the Carlson directing team, Johncie Carlson, received a Bachelor of Arts from Averett College (now University). She has a diverse background of employment situations from teaching to serving tea and scones, processing film to providing travel arrangements, secretarial duties to sales. But no matter the job, her down time has always included theatre or music.
Mrs. Carlson has designed and directed three Broadway musical revues locally, and taught beginning drama and music for the middle school at St. Luke’s School. Her 40-year involvement in community theatre has placed her both on stage and behind the scenes. Some of her favorite roles include “Little Red” in Into the Woods, “Babe” in Crimes of the Heart, “Shy” in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, “Joanne” in Vanities, and “Rachel” in Two By Two. Her latest endeavor has been opening Studio C Photography in 2010 with husband Tim.
Excited about this new opportunity, she says, “Being able to lend a hand to bring Marching Through Culpeper to the stage for the first time is an honor and a challenge. It is very rewarding to watch a stage production take shape, and in this case, to watch history come to life. I’m looking forward to getting to know the characters better, and to meeting and working with community members as we help Virginia Morton see her dreams become a reality.”
MEET SONGWRITER ROD STONE
Music is Rod Stone’s life. He spent twenty years in Nashville where he had several songs recorded in the Country genre from artists like George Hamilton IV, Ricky Lee Watson, Crystal Gayle, and Jeff and Sheri Easter to Lee Greenwood who recorded and released his song “USA Today” for the twenty-fifth anniversary of “God Bless the USA.” Three of his songs were also included on Golden Books/ Golden Music flagship project “Lullabies for Little Ones” and an instrumental c.d. called “Autumn in New England” which sold in excess of a million copies.
He now resides with his family in Washington State where he continues his songwriting career. In 2008 His wife Carrie bought a book, “Market Place Miracles,” by Rick Heeren and read the story of Virginia B. Morton’s dream of having her Civil War novel “Marching Through Culpeper” made into a movie. Carrie contacted Rick Heeren and suggested that Rod was to write the music for the movie. Everyone (including Rod) became excited at the prospect. After reading the book, Rod began turning out songs that Virginia Morton called “Perfect! They brought tears to my eyes!” Eventually the movie concept transformed into a stage musical with the hope that eventually this production will lead to a movie.
When asked why someone from the West Coast would want to invest so much time in a Civil War story, Rod responded, “Truth! This story is dripping with real events and real history in a high-paced, dramatic form. Also, the characters were very captivating to me—Constance Armstrong, Aaron Ames and Frank Stringfellow in particular. Their personalities were so well defined that it was a joy to write their songs. I also was drawn in by the story’s message of reconciliation and hope, two things our nation needs today. I want to be part of something that will build bridges between all races and regions. By God’s grace, this musical will do just that! I thank Virginia for her encouragement and faith, and the prayer team—including my wife, who’ve helped me keep this project front and center.”
For more about Rod see www.stuffibelievein.com.
MEET AWARD-WINNING GOSPEL SINGER OCTAVIA YATES
Award winning Culpeper gospel singer Octavia Yates has recorded two CDs and a video DVD. She recently received an award for her Concept Video DVD which was filmed in Culpeper and aired in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester, New York. She has sung at events in Las Vegas and Washington, DC.
She will be collaborating with the music for Marching Through Culpeper and will make a special guest appearance singing one of her original gospel songs.
