Kimmel Center presents
Wide Awake: Civil War Cabaret
PIFA 2013
The Bearded Ladies
Innovation StudioApril 12, 1861 — The U.S. Civil War
Around any physical war there is another war occurring: a war of popular culture, which does not obey the same rules of engagement. Wide Awake's singular Southern voice, the Scarlett O'Hara-inspired Dixie, is surrounded by a myriad of Northern voices—characters donning mustaches, Lincoln-style top hats, corsets, britches, and boots at various points throughout the cabaret's musical journey. Meet some of the era's historically marginalized characters—including the oft-forgot Julia Ward Howe, Angelina Grimké Wald, Abby Kelly Foster, and Philadelphian abolitionist Lucretia Mott. Part Gone With the Wind, part folk-punk extravaganza, join The Bearded Ladies as they test their hypothesis that the Civil War 'has been fought both before and after the actual event' and is being waged, even today.
This event is part of PIFA 2013. Visit PIFA.org for a complete listing of events.
This project is made possible with generous support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage through the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as part of the Knight Arts Challenge.
There is an 8-ticket limit per patron, per production on individual tickets.
All artists and programs subject to change.