Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
This is a story about young person who was born a woman whose need to fight and see justice done and wanting to serve the country he loved was the catalyst for living life as a man. The astonishing true story of a Civil War soldier whose life defied definition and is transformed into a powerful new musical, where Albert D.J. Cashier is trying to find himself in an increasingly challenging world. His world is dark, and he lives his truth in disguise of who he really is. Based on the true events, he is a war hero, a true soldier, a loyal friend and a good man, who never denies and stops fighting for his true identity. He says, 'They can take what they want, but they can't take my Soul,' as well as 'What good is our freedom if we are not looked as equals?' By the end of the play, he is put on trial regarding his true involvement as a soldier and for getting the soldier's benefits. Albert Cashier made his own road, survived, and lived his TRUTH. The fact is there were many women-transgender soldiers in the US Army, during the Civil War.
The question here arises: Why haven't we been told the truth? Why has Albert's story been left out of the books? He has been remembered very fondly by many with whom he contacted and to today's day the Spirit of Albert still stirs the historical reenactment of his existence. As it is expressed in the show, 'The rights of one are the rights of all.'
Born in Clogherhead, Co. in Louth, Jennie Hodgers enlisted with the 95th Illinois Infantry under the name of Albert Cashier. Over the course of the Civil War, she fought in more than 40 battles and skirmishes, becoming the most famous of the 400 documented cases of women disguising themselves as men to serve as soldiers. Cashier left the army in 1865 and continued to live as a man for decades afterwards, voting in elections at a time when women were disenfranchised. When Albert's original gender was revealed late in life, many former comrades voiced their support, recognizing the contribution Cashier made to the Union cause.' After battling dementia and ongoing PTSD, the real Albert Cashier died in 1915 at 72. He was buried in his old Union uniform. The headstone was inscribed "Albert D. J. Cashier, Co. G. 95 Ill. Inf" (in the 1970s another tombstone bearing the name of Jennie Hodgers was placed next to the original). I know The Civility of Albert Cashier will be embraced for its feel-good trajectory, and you will not be bored. But like Albert himself, the musical is clear on what it wants to be but hides from what it could be. On Cashier's death in October 1915, the burial took place in full uniform and the tombstone recognized Albert's male identity and military service.'
Fascinating story about service and respect, not just to Albert, but to the whole world, through the reality of the real living transgender soldier, with the hope that the story of Albert Cashier will make into the history books! I can see this show sharing the Broadway stages as an absolutely amazing production!
Everyone carries the show so beautifully. The cast players are Dani Shay, Josh Adamson, Cameron J. Armstrong, John Bucy, Andrea Daveline, Lisa Dyson, Fatima El-Bashir, Blake Jenner, Phillip J. Lewis, Tanner Berry, Evan Borboa, Brett Calo, Michael Guarasci, and Jonah Robinson. Gabby Dahlen successfully played the role of younger Albert, while Cidny Bullens portrays the older Albert. Interestingly enough Cidny identifies with Albert strongly, because he himself is a transgender man, a mother of two, who had a career and who is a glue for the show. Magnificent job everyone!
Book was by Jay Paul Deratany, while music was by Coyote Joe Stevens & Keaton Wooden, and Lyrics by Stevens, Wooden & Deratany. The rest of the collaborators are Mark Mendelson (Scenic Design), Andrew Schmedake (Lighting Design), Gabriela Griego (Projection Design), Rebecca Carr (Costume Design), Robert Arturo Ramirez (Sound Design) and many more. Choreography was by Hayden J. Frederick, and Music direction by Anthony Luka. Heather Provost (Producing Artistic Director) and Christine Russell, Jay Paul Deratany and Robert J. Ulrich presents 'The Civility of Albert Cashier' - a new musical wonderfully directed by Richard Israel. Be the part of the history in making and see this highly recommended show at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, at 555 North Third Street in Burbank, which is more timely than ever.
The show's run through September 22, Thurs-Sat at 8 pm (Except Saturday Sept.14), Sun at 2:00 pm. Free parking in the multi-level lot adjacent to the theater.
For tickets ($55-$60), call 818.558.7000 or visit www.ColonyTheatre.org