Uncovering a Moment in History

Harry Truman and the Birth of Israel – Forum Productions and the Greenhouse Theater Center

 

In this world premiere, written by playwright, William Spatz (aka David Cohen), who’s an avid student of history, a Chicago philanthropist and the president of the board of the Greenhouse Theater Center, audiences will learn a great deal about the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. In this two-act drama, packed to the gills with facts, information and revealing insights, Cohen has created a head-spinning historical portrait of a powerful man’s dubious path to power and the part he played in creation of the State of Israel.

 The playwright sets his play in the President’s home in Independence, Missouri in 1953, five years after the titular event, and soon after Truman left office. Cohen portrays a former President who swings both ways when it comes to his feelings about Jews and Israel. A potential slander suit looms from Truman’s dispute with the editor of The Kansas City Star, Roy A. Roberts. Truman often used colorful language, including racial slurs and insensitive, anti-Semitic remarks, and he seemed to harbor the prejudices typical in most Southern Baptists of that time period. Yet, in spite of this, Truman had several Jewish friends and associates. Among them was his best buddy, and onetime business partner, Eddie Jacobson (played here by Peter Nerad).

While Truman wasn’t a reprobate, he also probably wasn’t a friend of the Israel State. But the man is and continues to be misunderstood. Truman admits in this play that, like every person who’s ever been involved in government, he did things for political reasons. He played the game, flip-flopped on certain sensitive issues and, as such,  was often viewed as a bigot, a racist and an anti-Semite. But David Cohen seeks to look underneath all of this and shed light on those areas that are gray, offering a portrait of, as the playwright calls him, “a damn good politician.”

Staged by guest Director Randy White, this production uncovers a moment in history with which most typical audience members may be unfamiliar. Mr. White has done a stellar job of juxtaposing scenes of imagined events, occurring in Truman’s home office in 1953, with real highlights that took place throughout the former President’s career. The play is performed within a realistically detailed setting, designed by David SS Davis. The events of the past are illuminated by the overhead projections designed by Clara Tomaz. Kate Setzer Kaumphausen has nicely costumed her four actors in a wardrobe appropriate for the status and style of each character. And David Trudeau lights the production, helping his audience to discern between events of the past and the present.

As Harry Truman, Tim Kough has the man’s vocal cadence, physical mannerisms and gestures down pat. He bullies and blusters his way around the stage, offering a hint of Southern dialect and charms with a smile that often eradicates any hint of disagreement or displeasure. But when push comes to shove, Mr. Kough is tough and forceful, leaving no doubt as to who’s in charge in this room.

Catherine  Dvorak is demanding, delightful and full of spit and vinegar as lawyer, U.S. Representative and social leader, “Battling Bella” Abzug. A self-proclaimed feminist, Ms. Abzug was a strong proponent of the Women’s Movement and an outspoken advocate for liberal causes. Ms. Dvorak is totally believable as this powerful woman, although it’s not clear if this meeting between Truman and Abzug actually took place. In Cohen’s play, Ms. Dvorak’s character serves as the mediator between Truman and, the real star of this play, a character named Don Muller.

Muller is a Catholic lawyer who Ms. Abzug brings along to help coach and prepare Truman for his proposed slander trial. This character’s secret backstory, and the reason Muller behaves as he does with Truman, finally comes to light in an 11th hour revelation that delivers a punch to the gut. The power of this moment can be credited to Cohen’s well-written script; but it’s made potent through the robust, heartrending portrayal by Andrew Pond. A founding member of Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, Mr. Pond is often recognized for his superb comic portrayals. But as Don Muller, Andrew Pond is equally magnificent. He’s riveting at every turn but, especially in that final scene of his character’s candid confession, Pond delivers a dramatic power punch that leaves audiences breathless.

David Cohen’s historical play is stuffed with more information than many audiences will be able to absorb. Depending upon the individual theatergoer’s age, background and interest in history, this production may simply overwhelm. But patrons who enjoy a play that enlightens and piques their interest to learn more will greatly enjoy this production. The powerful payoff that occurs in the play’s the final scene is certainly worth the journey.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas       

 

Presented October 11-November 18 by Forum Productions and the Greenhouse Theater Center, at their Upstairs venue, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to www.greenhousetheater.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com