Lincoln Amphitheatre Premieres BETWEEN FRIENDS, Beginning 4/27

A new play about the Civil War will premiere at Lincoln Amphitheatre in April.

 “Between Friends” is a two-act community production written and co-directed by Father Gavin Barnes, a Benedictine Monk from Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Barnes decided to write this play to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.

 “I’ve been studying the Civil War since 1969,” explains Fr. Gavin, who taught drama and directed plays at Saint Meinrad College for 38 years. “I always try to get something new – a new approach – so I decided this time to do a careful study of Lincoln’s wartime correspondence.”

 Fr. Gavin decided to write a play script about the relationship between President Lincoln and his two generals, for his own enrichment. Using the words of the correspondence as dialogue and 10 of the Civil War’s major battles as the framework, he wrote “Between Friends.”

 “Between Friends” will run evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m. CDT on April 27 and 28, May 4 and 5 and one matinee beginning at 2 p.m. CDT on April 29. An optional meal catered by The Chateau Restaurant is available. Meal reservations must be made at least seven days in advance.

 Ticket prices are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors ages 55 and older, students ages seven to 21, and military; and $5 for children ages six and under.

 Guests may purchase tickets by calling the box office at 800-264-4223.

 Lincoln Amphitheatre’s 2012 season includes four productions: the original play Between Friends, the World Premiere of the signature Lincoln piece A Pioneer Tale, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in partnership with the Evansville Civic Theatre, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, and the second annual Halloween Trail of Terror. The 2012 “Lincoln’s Legacy Lives” fundraising campaign is underway to support the expansion of family-friendly and affordable events at the 1500-seat, covered Lincoln Amphitheatre.

 For more information about the 2012 season, visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.org or call 800-264-4223.