For me, the Civil War conjures images of famous generals, bloody battles and Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address. But many courageous people played an important part in this epic struggle.

For instance, both Union and Confederate troops never went into battle without a drummer. Even though they were too young to fight, drummers kept cadence for marching troops, established communication, kept order among the units in the field, assembled officers and sounded retreat in the midst of severe enemy fire. They also carried stretchers, acted as runners between outposts and more.

Find out more about these young soldiers during the Missouri History Museum’s production of Battledrum. Created by the Metro Theater Company, this story offers young people a compelling point of entry into the complexities of the Civil War that divided our nation. Set in 1863, this exciting musical tells the story of three boys — Jackson, a drummer in the union arm; Rufus, a southern boy orphaned by the war and George Washington, an African American making his way to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Recommended for adults and kids 9 and older, this 55-minute performance features lively action, rich music, evocative costumes and just the right amount of humor. Timeless themes of determination, loss, responsibility, diversity, and self-reliance are expressed in this story of courage, truth and brotherhood. The moving story ends with a thrilling drum line performed by the entire cast. A discussion takes place after every performance.

Since 1973, Metro Theater Company has been stimulating curiosity and provoking thoughtful reflection with their compelling stories. The Company has reached a total audience of more than two million and has a national reputation for excellence in the field of professional theater for young audiences.

Metro Theater Company has received major honors and awards, both locally and nationally, including 11 consecutive years of support from The Shubert Foundation and 28 consecutive years of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.                                                      

Battledrum is being performed at the Missouri History Museumfrom January 10 to 29. Tickets are $14 for students, seniors and the military and $14 for Missouri History Museum members and groups of 10 or more. Students receive a school group rate of $8.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting