Soldier's story
by Shorty on 4/16/23CIBC Theatre - ChicagoExcellent play, with a good cast. I really enjoyed the movie which is why I wanted to see the play.
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A SOLDIER'S PLAY, the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller by Charles Fuller, has rocketed back into the spotlight, thanks to this 2020 Tony Award®-winning Best Revival from Roundabout Theatre Company. "This is a play that deserves to be staged regularly all over America--though it's hard to imagine that it will ever be done better than this. It keeps you guessing all the way to the final curtain" (The Wall Street Journal).
In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A Black sergeant is murdered. And a series of interrogations triggers a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in America. Broadway's Norm Lewis leads a powerhouse cast in the show Variety calls "a knock-your-socks-off-drama," directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon.
Excellent play, with a good cast. I really enjoyed the movie which is why I wanted to see the play.
The actors were superb and the plot was fantastic. Highly Recommended!!!
I thought it was fabulous. The script was stellar, amazing, well done. The fact that the author wouldn't change the last line was indicative of his conviction and to be admired. It is rare that a script relays so much truth without being at all preachy. I loved the singing and the percussive sounds that punctuated the regimental life in which they existed. The direction was magnificent. Visually it was stunning. How Leon handled the back and forth in time was clear, crisp, and moving. The end visual was perfect, with the beds functioning as coffins with the flags draped over them. Stage pictures were ideal. The clear differences in the soldier's personalities was a tribute to the direction and the acting. The movement/choreography was just brilliant. So telling and explanatory of both story and character. The set was without adornment and moved in and out with aplomb. The texture of the set mirrored the texture of their lives: brown, rough, monochromatic. I loved the lighting. there was so much texture with the plethora of gobos used. Really atmospheric. The script, direction and set were the top stars of the show. The acting was excellent. I thought Eugene Lee (Waters) was the most impressive. He had so many levels in his self loathing and his attempts to clear the world of the black "clowns". Also stellar was CJ (Sheldon D. Brown). I thought the handshake at the end was a little trite. I thought a salute with respect and connection would have been a stronger choice. They made a deal throughout the play that doing the salute was only warranted as protocol. When it was exchanged with someone he didn't respect / had distain for or it seemed superfluous, the salute didn't mean much. But infused with respect and a strong connection--in the context--might have been stronger and more appropriate than the hand shake. Just a thought. I appreciate your asking my opinion so I could share my experience.
The story was provocative and very well acted. I will recommend this production to others.
It may be an old play but it is very up to date in subject matter. Suspenseful too. Gripping.
The actors gave a great performance and transported me to the barracks, along with them.
I watched the original movie years ago and found that the play mirrored the movie almost in every aspect. The acting was spot on. No superfluous material added. The only concern I had was the final scene between Peterson and the lawyer was omitted. Otherwise a very enjoyable evening.
The unexpected ending added to the interest in the play
Great line up of actors who demonstrated their roles with emotions and and accuracy. The set sound system was clear and perfect for marching scenes. Audience enjoyed every scene
This production is amazing. The acting and singing were great.
The play was AMAZING! The actors did a phenomenal job. I would recommend this play to anyone who loves supporting the arts.
This is an excellent production, and does justice to a pulitzer prize script. It is presented as a period piece, and may make some folks uncomfortable with the material; and it should. The actors are all terrific, you forget that they are acting. The cast makes you feel like you are part of the military saga. I would highly recommend this production. This is what Broadway should always look like.
It was like watching a movie! All the actors did an amazing job! From the first scene my eyes were glued to the stage! I was all in! Every transition was seamless. You could feel every emotion. Really captivating performances. I recommend every one go see this great play!
Fabulous acting in an incredibly paced show. Really worth it!
Really superb play, fantastic, the best my wife and I have seen for many years. All the performances are first class, particularly the 2 lead roles (the investigator and the sergeant), plus the picked-upon trooper. The plot moves along rapidly in whodunit style, with great and imaginative use of the stage set and lighting, especially to seamlessly incorporate flashback sequences.
This was an excellent performance by all!!! Please go see this play sit back and enjoy the performance.