It is the early 1960’s and retiree Dwight D. Eisenhower is writing his memoirs and, to satisfy his publisher, he is talking into a recording machine. Actually, he is in high dudgeon since the annual New York list of Best US Presidents has named him the 22nd best (or worst) of all time. This indignation has him rethinking about his career and the events of his life.
Actor John Rubinstein captures the dignity and authoritative air of this former Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, and two-term President of the United States. We are eavesdropping on him as he reviews his life and learn about his private as well as public triumphs. However, there are times when the actor, perhaps unconsciously, breaks the fourth wall and speaks to us directly. This makes the man he impersonates so well more human and therefore reaches us emotionally as well as intellectually.
To illustrate his life there is
a vast backdrop with projections that illuminate the facts with pictures of his
loved ones, with familiar newspaper photos from his years in Europe as Supreme
Commander, with soldiers and other military figures, as well as all-to-vivid photos
from the horrors of the Nazi death camps that he helped liberate.
If you love history here is a visit with a
noble historic figure from our US past who, due to the recognition of his many
vital accomplishments, has moved up from 22nd to 5th greatest
in the decades since.
This new play is written by Richard
Hellesen and directed by Peter Ellenstein. It was developed by New Los Angeles Repertory
Company as part of their series Plays for Peace – “productions
that focus on mankind's fascination with war, highlighting leadership that
prevents war and strives for the common humanity and prosperity that leads to
peace.”
At Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga
Blvd., Los Angeles, through November 20. Photos by
Pierre Lumiere.
Tickets online at: www.theatrewest.org
or www.newlarep.org