The Arts Center of Cannon County presents a one day only special production of Ponder Anew: A World War II Warrior’s Story Carol Ponder and Robert Kiefer, long-time Nashville theater favorites, perform this play with music. Adapted from the WWII memoir of Carol’s father, Lt. Herschel D. Ponder – a fighter pilot who flew P-47 Thunderbolts in Europe – this moving production evokes the essence of war and warriors: their victories, sacrifices, loyalty and the sweet pain of coming home. In his memoir, Lt. Ponder wrote of his fears, his joys, and his struggle to remain human during and after an inhumane war. By turns warm, funny, tragic and poignant, Ponder Anew premiered as part of The Hermitage Artists’ Retreat Series at the Historic Asolo Theater in Sarasota, Florida and has been presented in over 30 venues in five states, including The Monteagle Assembly, TN and Middle Tennessee State University. After WWII, Lt. Ponder lived with PTSD and other challenges; however, he found joy in creating a rich life for himself and his family. In 1989, after 45 years, he finally found real relief in writing his memoir. His words of war and peace, with songs from the era and the North Carolina mountains, are a powerful stimulus that inspires combat survivors and their friends and families to open up about their own experiences. Praised by members of the military, their families, and psychologists, Ponder Anew helps audiences understand what we ask of those in our Armed Forces – and profoundly thanks those men and women for their service.
Carol and Robert have been theater and music professionals for over 40 years. Carol is an award-winning singer of Americana and, like her father, is a consummate storyteller. An accomplished actor and director, Robert specializes in creating one-person shows. Carol and Robert are delighted to be working together to perform this powerful and valuable work of art.
The production will take place Sunday at 2:00 at the Arts Center of Cannon County 1424 John Bragg Hwy Woodbury. For more information or to purchase tickets call the Arts Center Box Office at 563-2787 or online at artscenterofcc.com
