Educators, families, history buffs, and theatre goers are invited to a free author event on Saturday, September 14th, at The Colony Theatre featuring two children’s authors whose books revolve around the Civil War hero, Albert Cashier.
The Colony Theatre has just opened performances to their new powerful, new, musical, “The Civility of Albert Cashier,” about the astonishing true-story of a Civil War soldier whose life defied definition. In August of 1862, Private Albert Cashier enlisted in the Union Army and fought valiantly during the Civil War, until being honorably discharged on August 17, 1865, at which point he received a military pension in recognition of his service. But there was more to Albert than most people knew. He had a secret…this heroic American soldier was born Jennifer Hodgers.
Cast member Lisa Dyson, who plays Nurse Smith in the musical, is also a middle school librarian here in Burbank. Before even hearing of or auditioning for “The Civility of Albert Cashier,” Dyson purchased a children’s book for her library titled “The Fighting Infantryman,” by Rob Sanders which recounts the story of Jennie Hodgers, a young immigrant from Ireland, who moved west to Illinois and soon had a new name and a new identity–Albert D. J. Cashier, and like many other young men, Albert joined the Union Army.
When Dyson was cast in the musical, she remembered the book she had purchased and brought it to show the rest of the production team who were so overjoyed that a book like this existed. They immediately contacted the author, Rob Sanders, who was based out of Florida, to see if he happened to be coming to Los Angeles during the run of the show..and luck would have it, that he was.
“I’m thrilled that the story of Albert D. J. Cashier is being told through word and song, and in books and on the stage,” said Sanders. Albert’s courage is inspirational and the support he received from his friends and fellow veterans who affirmed his identity and his service serves as examples for us all.”
Dyson also found another children’s author who had written about Albert Cashier, and that was Michael Leali, the author of “The Civil War of Amos Abernathy.” Leali who lives in the San Fransisco Bay area was invited to come join Sanders in Burbank for the author event, and he immediately booked his plane ticket to join in. Leali’s book follows a young boy named Amos Abernathy who has been a historical re-enactor nearly all his life, but finds himself wondering if there’s something missing from history. Amos is sure there must have been LGBTQ+ people in nineteenth-century Illinois, and his search turns up Albert D. J. Cashier, a Civil War soldier who might have identified as a trans man if he’d lived today.
“Albert D.J. Cashier was an absolutely remarkable human. I’m thrilled that people are getting to know him through this musical and books like mine and Rob’s,” said Leali. “I can’t wait to watch this talented cast and crew bring Albert’s story to life on stage. And I’m overjoyed that Rob and I get to join in the fun with our author event. I hope that attendees will watch this show, read our books, and hold Albert in their hearts for a good, long time.”
The free author event on September 14th will take place at 4:30PM following the 2:00 matinee showing of “The Civility of Albert Cashier.” The two authors will be reading from their books, signing autographs, and holding an educational Q&A with the audience. The authors are really hoping to have local educators come out to hear how to implement the books in lessons and curriculum.
You can RSVP for your free spot at the family-friendly, author event here! If you are interested in seeing “The Civility of Albert Cashier,” visit the Colony Theatre website here for tickets.
About the Authors:
Rob Sanders: Rob Sanders, from Brandon, Florida, is a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. He is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the arena of LGBTQIA+ literary nonfiction picture books. Rob’s nonfiction books continue to break new ground, including the first picture books about the Pride Flag, the Stonewall Uprising, a transgender Civil War soldier, a gay presidential candidate, and the first gay marriage in America. His work also continues to introduce readers to heroes of the LGBTQIA+ community—from Harvey Milk to Gilbert Baker, from Cleve Jones to Bayard Rustin, and more. His fiction explores friendship, relationships, standing up for others, and being allies. Blood Brothers, his first middle grade novel, written in powerful, raw verse released in July 2022 and was named an NCTE 2023 Notable Novel in Verse. 2024 releases include Rob’s first nonfiction poetry collection—Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ Heroes (Penguin Workshop) and two fiction picture books—Between You and Me (HarperCollins) and We Are a Class! (Beaming Books). Rob believes in paying it forward. He serves on the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Steering Committee and is a frequent speaker, teacher, mentor, coach, and critiquer.
Michael Leali: Michael Leali (he/him/his) is an award-winning writer and veteran educator. He earned his MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where he wrote the first draft of his second novel, Matteo, which went on to become a Lambda Literary Award finalist. His widely-praised debut novel, The Civil War of Amos Abernathy, won the prestigious Golden Kite Award in 2023 and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary award among many other honors. Michael’s third middle grade novel, The Truth About Triangles, released nationwide on May 21, 2024 from HarperCollins Children’s. In addition to writing his own stories, Michael works as a freelance editor, writing coach, and independent bookseller. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Michael currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his partner, their dog Bubba, and many, many books. Learn more about Michael at michaelleali.com and follow him on Instagram @michaelleali.
