'Women and War' on Vernon stage

Vernon — On Nov. 18 and 19 the curtain will rise at 7:30 p.m. on Vernon Township High School’s production of Jack Hilton Cunningham’s play, "Women and War." In the same presentational style of theatrical docudramas and reader’s theater comes Women and War. Based on historical facts, this play is presented through a collection of stories told in letters and monologues by generations of Americans affected by conflicts, from The Great War to the War in Afghanistan. Following women’s journeys from housewife to worker, young bride to nurse, mother to widow, and young woman to soldier, these are tales of sacrifice, love, resolution and hope told by those who persevere on the home front and on the battlefield. A history lesson of sorts, the play brings to light the varying roles that women have played in all of America’s 20th Century wars. Letters to and from American soldiers fighting on foreign soil reveal their significant roles in American history and highlight the themes in "Women and War." They express the agony of separation from loved ones, the determination to keep the home front stable and most of all — personal sacrifice. Vernon students involved include Christina Comizio and Nick Weiss as a World War II couple, Brianna O'Loughlin and Kyle Pitts as a Vietnam War couple and Emily Kruger and Andrew Kraus as a couple separated by the Korean War. Other student performers are Danielle Boyle, James Bryan, Colleen Carney, Jackie Cerutti, Terrance Cummins, Mike Easton, Erica Flowers, Brooke Harrsch, Deidra Lohwin, Victoria Marchesani, Rebecca McNeil, Dylan VonderLinden and Shaelyn Zimmerman. An emotionally touching performance of courage, love and heartbreak. Director Barri Weinstein See the show A special event at the Friday night, Nov. 18 performance, includes a meet the playwright Q&A session with the audience at the end of the show. All tickets are $10 and are available in advance and at the door.