HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
THEATER
“A Soldier’s Play” Is Riveting Theatre! By Linda Armstrong
P
owerful,
poignant,
persua-
sive—“A Soldier’s Play” at the American Airlines Theatre on
W 42nd Street is a perfect example of how Black men are demeaned, abused and degraded in this country. Though it is set in 1944 at an Army base in Louisiana, the Pulitzer Prize winning story by Charles Fuller is very relatable in today’s society. It is a portrait of the racism in this country and the self-hatred that
Jerry O'Connell and Blair Underwood in Roundabout Theatre Company's A SOLDIER'S PLAY, Photo by Joan Marcus 2019
Rob Demery, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and McKinley Belcher III in Roundabout Theatre Company's A SOLDIER'S PLAY, 2019
David Alan Grier, Blair Underwood, and Billy Eugene Jones in Roundabout Theatre Company's A SOLDIER'S PLAY, 2019. Photo by Joan Marcus Peterson; McKinley Belcher II plays
truly outdoes himself with this landmark
more than a comedic performer. Grier
is superbly cast as Captain Davenport, a
being someone who never could grasp a
Private Henson; Billy Eugene Jones
production. He had the vision to make
As I sat in the theater before the
constantly is able to demonstrate his
Black lawyer and officer, something rare
Black man as an officer and at first has
plays Private Wilkie; Jared Grimes plays
sure that Fuller’s play finally made it to
production I had to smile as I watched
dramatic acting prowess every time I see
in those days. I love how Underwood
a very difficult time accepting Daven-
Private Smalls; J. Alphonse Nicholson
a Broadway stage. I also love the way
numerous seats in the orchestra section
him on stage in a Broadway production.
steps on to the stage and immediately
port’s presence on the base.
plays Private C.J. Memphis, Rob De-
he uses the Blues being performed to set
fill up with our people. I love how our
And believe me, him starring in the role
commands it.
The Black soldiers on the base each
mery plays Corporal Bernard Cobb. Nate
the mood in the beginning of the play and moments throughout the production.
Blacks at times feel towards themselves and one another.
people will come and support when we
of Sergeant Waters is no laughing mat-
Jerry O’Connell is fantastic, humor-
has their own story to tell about Sergeant
Mann as Lieutenant Byrd and Captain
know that it is us on the stage and it is
ter. I love the way that he shows all the
ous at times and conflicted as Captain
Waters. Each has a reason for feeling
Wilcox, the last White soldiers to see the
His direction throughout the play is con-
the work of a Black playwright being
layers of this harsh Black man, who is
Charles Taylor, the White command-
about the Sergeant the way he does and
Sergeant alive, definitely hold their own.
sistently tight! “A Soldier’s Story” is an
done. Now, it didn’t hurt that gorgeous
over the Black troops and treats them
ing officer over the Black troops, who
they tell vivid recollections of this Ser-
The production has detailed cos-
absolute MUST-SEE! It’s one of those
Blair Underwood is part of this all-star
like they were the enemy. He is someone
doesn’t have real relationships with his
geant who degraded and mistreated his
tumes by Dede Ayite; engaging set
plays you could see over and over again
cast, or that it also stars David Alan Gri-
who has been beaten down so severely
men and didn’t know Waters very well,
men every case he got. The actors who
design by Derek McLane; attention
and notice something new and rich! This
er. It’s interesting how Grier got into the
by the White man that he resents them,
but sincerely wants to solve the question
play the troops display an energy on that
grabbing lighting by Allen Lee Hughes
Roundabout Theatre Company produc-
business through comedy, but proves
but has the common sense never to take
of who killed him. He is also captivating
stage that is mesmerizing. Nnamdi Aso-
and marvelous sound design by Dan
tion will play March 15. For tickets go
every chance he can that he is so much
out his frustrations on them. Underwood
as he goes through the metamorphosis of
mugha plays Private First Class Melvin
Moses Schreier. Director Kenny Leon
to roundabouttheatre.org.
A KNOCK-YOUR-SOCKS-OFF DRAMA
Harlem Community Newspapers | February 6. 2020
“
10
” .
“DAVID ALAN GRIER
“BLAIR UNDERWOOD
–ROMA TORRE, NY1
–TIM BALK, DAILY NEWS
IS PHENOMENAL.”
IS ELECTRIFYING.”
TICKETS FROM $49 WITH CODE ASPHN FINAL WEEKS•THROUGH MARCH 15 ONLY SM
American Airlines Theatre
•
227 West 42nd Street
•
212.719.1300
Support for A Soldier’s Play is provided by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
•
roundabouttheatre.org
–MARILYN STASIO, VARIETY
