Critics are sharing their thoughts on the solo play Richard Hellesen's Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground starring Tony winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God). Rubinstein plays President Dwight D. Eisenhower at Off-Broadway's Theatre at St. Clements where it opened June 20.
The New Los Angeles Repertory Company presents the seven-week engagement which began previews June 13 for a run through July 30.
Read the reviews here.
New York Stage Review (Frank Scheck)
New York Theater (Jonathan Mandell)
Talkin' Broadway (James Wilson)
Theater Life (Samuel L. Leiter)
Times Square Chronicles (Suzanna Bowling)
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Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
Directed by Peter Ellenstein, Eisenhower is adapted from the president's memoirs, speeches, and letters with the support of the Eisenhower Foundation and permission from David and Susan Eisenhower and the Eisenhower family. The play is set in 1962 at Eisenhower's Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, farm as New York Magazine has published its first list ranking American Presidents in order of greatness. Pondering his placement on the list, Eisenhower looks back on his life.
“I had never before done a one-person play,” said Rubinstein in a statement. “I had often thought that I would like to try it, but never found the person to portray or the piece to interpret—until Peter Ellenstein sent me this inspiring play by Richard Hellesen. I think that people need to hear these profound, personal, and uplifting words from an actual U.S. President during these very trying times. I was so gratified by the overwhelming enthusiasm we were shown when we premiered in L.A. last fall, and we are all extremely proud and happy to now bring this play to New York audiences this summer.”
The production features scenic design by Michael Deegan and Sarah Conly, costume consultation by Sarah Conly, lighting design by Esquire Jauchem, and projection and sound design by Joe Huppert.
The producing team includes Victoria Morris of Lexikat Artists and Adam Weinstock of Red Spear Productions. General management is by LDK Productions, LLC, and marketing and promotions are by Table 7 Strategy, LLC.
Visit EisenhowerThePlay.com.
