By Chase Johnson
I had the absolute pleasure of seeing A Soldier’s Play at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and I must say it was not what I was expecting. Set during the Second World War we are introduced to a company of Black soldiers whose sergeant has been murdered. Over the course of the play hidden motives come to light and a shocking reveal that I didn’t see coming. Truly, Cincy Shakes has done it again with a powerful, moving, and involved play that will leave you on the edge of your seat. A Soldier’s Play is 2 hours long, but it feel like far less and the story and performances will keep you fascinated.
Plot to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
Following the murder of a sergeant, Captain Davenport is assigned to investigate. Davenport faces pushback from his fellow officers, as well as the enlisted he is supposed to interrogate and the military structures of the time include plenty of blatant racism. While I won’t spoil the ending, I will say Davenport’s investigation takes wild twists and turns as does the fate of the entire company.
Phenomenal Performances
First of all the entire company deserves praise for taking on this piece. Written by Charles Fuller, A Soldier’s Play is an intense and at times uncomfortable thrill ride. That may be why it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1982.
K.P Powell as Captain Davenport is the heart of the play. He’s funny at moments, witty, and above all gives a performance that drives each of the scenes he is in. By contrast Brent Vimtrup as Captain Charles Taylor is energetic and at times excitable which plays off Powell’s performance very well. It’s not a buddy cop comedy between the two as they are at odds for the majority of the play, but they play off each other insanely well. Geoffrey Barnes as Sargent Waters may be shot dead in the opening scene, but the flashbacks show him to be a complex character. Friendly at times and then cruel on the flip of a switch. Waters as a role requires a lot out of his performer and Barnes is simply incredible. The entire ensemble is solid and believable.
Powerful Production Team
Director Christopher V. Edwards and the production team did their homework. The costumes are all period accurate (Nia Safarr Banks). The fight scenes and gunplay are realistic and serious (Christopher V. Edwards). And overall it is a visually appealing set (Jon Savage) with solid lights and sound (Jessica Drayton, and Derek G. Graham.)
Overall, Cincy Shakes Knocks it Out of the Park with This One
My only complaint is that the show ended. Seriously, I say this all the time with Cincy Shakes: they are masters of their craft and one of the best theater companies in the city of Cincinnati. Between the staging and the performances–and the fact that they give out free ice cream on Opening Night. (Thanks, Graeter’s! What a great partnership!)
See this show. Support the great work that Cincy Shakes does, and see this show!
Get Tickets to A Soldier’s Play at Cincy Shakes
You can purchase tickets at this link or at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s box office. A Soldier’s Play runs until February 15th. Run Time: 2 hours including an intermission
