From Allartsreview4u.com - March 2006

Ford's Theater has a smash musical hit with its production of "Shenandoah" and it is the perfect venue for a story about the Civil War...one constantly refers to the front box where Lincoln was assassinated as one juggles thoughts about war and peace and responsibility of our leaders.  This is a quiet family oriented musical about a farmer in Virginia who is anti-war and refuses to allow his sons to fight for the Confederacy.  Eventually, as in every war, the family is forced to respond with violence which has always been alien to them.  Scott Bakula is a marvel in the lead and gets every bit of empathy from the audience because of his gentleness and loving nature.  It seems like this whole cast is especially inspired to be doing this play in this historic place...there is nary an inadequate performance.   Others who shine above the rest are youngsters, Mike Mainwaring and Kevin Clay,  who perform in totally natural fashion and are especially effective in their number, "Why Am I Me".  Megan Lewis (Jenny Anderson) is a charmer with her "Over the Hill" about a girl going through hopelessness through a crucial marriage-without-a-proposal period. Noah Racey is a charmer as her hesitant lover.   The six Anderson sons wowed the audience with an invigorating song and dance of "Next To Lovin'".  Jeff Calhoun was superb in his directing this scintillating production with fine assists by Michael Gilliam on exciting lights, Tobin Ost on glorious scenery, and, especially, Jeff Calhoun and Chase Brock on choreography...particularly the opening "Raise the Flag of Dixie".  Steven Landau was superior in handling the musical direction.    Occasionally one gets derivatives from "Carousel", "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", "1776"  but it never diminishes the effectiveness of this delightful production.   The one curious item missing in the script is the motivation for the murder of the eldest son and, especially, his wife.  One expects that this will be a SRO for the whole run since it is great family and school and tourist fare.    One definitely should visit the Lincoln museum on the lower level at Ford's to refresh oneself on the motivations of that president when faced with his decision to move into the Civil War.  Especially poignant is the comment that he acted in good faith to protect the nation and only received "cold hands" for his efforts.  Sounds topical or appropriate...you decide.  (To 4/30 ) (Reviewed by Bob Anthony)

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