By Staff
HISTORY COMES ALIVE  A Union soldier, Steve Gipson, and a Confederate soldier, Brad Mattox, show a young participant of "The Great Civil War Exposition and Living History Show" real Civil War artifacts in this file photo. Submitted photo
By Kelly Quackenbush/The Meridian Star
March 9, 2001
Two actors will bring the Civil War to life this weekend at Bonita Lakes Mall.
The play is led by Civil War historian Steve Gipson.
The play features two soldiers, one Union and one Confederate, talking about life as it was during the time of the Civil War on a museum-quality set filled with actual Civil War artifacts.
Between shows, the actor/historians remain on the set to answer questions and the audience can view the Civil War artifacts and replicas up close. The show will explore language, social customs, weapons, uniforms, food and the everyday life of a common soldier.
Gipson is a veteran of historical movies, and has worked with PBS on Civil War projects. Thirty years of research has made him an expert on portraying both sides of the war "fair and square." The show covers the years 1619-1865 and "gives the roots of our country's history."
Each performance will take place at Center Court. Show times are: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. today and Saturday; and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Each show is open to the public at no charge.
For more information, call Tommy White at 693-3433, or visit bonitalakesmall.com.
Kelly Quackenbush is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at kquackenbush@themeridianstar.com.