专辑简介

Richmond actor-director Randy Strawderman adapted Stephen Crane's classic Civil War novel, "Red Badge of Courage," into a stage musical. "'Red Badge' isn't just about the Civil War. It's set in the Civil War, but it could be set anywhere," Strawderman says. He realized that the story of a young man facing a rite of passage, losing his youthful romanticism and learning unselfishness would suit the stage because it focuses on internal, psychological battles. The grand scale of the war itself demanded the theatrical impact of a musical.

Music was a large part of the Civil War soldiers' experience, as they were camped, and waiting, and enduring the lengthy war. Acclaimed composer and singer Robbin Thompson, along with partner and fellow composer Carlos Chafin, scored the musical.

In 1994, VMI co-produced the musical's world premiere at Washington and Lee University in Lexington.