Churchill NYC Reviews and Tickets

"This is not a play that particularly seeks contemporary resonance. Mr. Keaton, who bears a resemblance to a trimmer Churchill, has opted for breadth rather than depth in recounting an anecdote-rich life. 'Churchill' too often fails to stir any emotion. The man we see before us is friendly and a bit of a wag, but he’s not fiery."
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"A well-acted but paint-by-numbers portrait of the famous cigar-puffing, whisky-quaffing British politician who held numerous cabinet positions, including prime minister."
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"A charming tribute to the great wartime leader, but not a very compelling bio-drama. We see Churchill wrangle with Hitler, but never with himself...'Churchill' is akin to estate-approved jukebox musicals. You get to hear Churchill's greatest hits performed by a talented actor doing a decent impersonation. If that is all you're looking for, this is the show for you. Just don't expect to walk away with any new insights on this venerated historical figure."
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"Keaton summons the spirit of Churchill beautifully. Stout of figure and voice, he projects a judicious authority, a distinctly English, no-nonsense jolliness, and the simple power needed to prosecute the darkest depths of World War II from a platform of even-keeled reality...But his writing doesn't even close to mimicking the wit of the real Churchill, and it doesn't have to, but it's so short on laughs and energy that the difference makes the evening as a whole far rockier than it should be."
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"Since this is Churchill speaking through Keaton, it may be the world leader's devotion to language and the masterful manner in which he uses it that comes across most piercingly. The skill with a quick tongue alone makes him a delightful person to pass the time with. Keaton makes that point above all others."
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"Why would the ambitious gentleman who both wrote this turkey and has the misguided courage to go on stage, alone, to perform it — why would he choose the most pedestrian material of the Churchillian oeuvre? It's comfort at the price of tedium. So, 'Churchill' might have been a home run but settles in as a sacrifice fly."
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"It's as if we’re attending a lecture tour Churchill might have delivered near the end of his life. It’s a powerful meta-theatrical technique Keaton and director Johns make the most of. Charming, deep, emotionally affecting, expertly crafted, and (incidentally) informative, 'Churchill' is a solo show that feels bigger than a solo show.
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"Churchill’s immense charm shines through as Keaton’s adaptation of Churchill’s own words makes him human while keeping him larger than life. The script takes fullest advantage of Churchill’s own wit to create the intimacy so vital in a one-actor show. Keaton is a fine actor to be sure. He maintains just the stiff upper lip."
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"Churchill" is a magnificent look at history through the eyes of one of the men who crafted it. As Churchill, Ronald Keaton engages naturally with the historic figure at hand. He presents a man who, while conscious of historic posterity, seems more concerned here with telling a good story."
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"Solo shows can be tricky but Kurt Johns has seamlessly directed the action so nothing ever feels forced. All three elements, the text, the actor and the direction are so natural, you honestly believe you are watching Winston Churchill reincarnated before your very eyes. It is a flawless performance."
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"Very enjoyable and surprisingly emotional...Keaton is blessed with being eminently likable on stage. Thus his Churchill is neither gruff nor imposing, but human. And, in that way, great company for a couple of hours of straightforward summer theater. This earnest, honest and deeply reflective piece of theater reminds us of how, in politics as in business, integrity, courage and relationships are what matter the most."
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"Keaton arrives on stage and the more you watch him and listen to him, the more he becomes the man himself. It is a triumphant performance, capturing the essence of the man without mimicry of any kind. And the script is superbly modulated to capture a multitude of moods and events, and the dramatic ups and downs of a remarkable life."
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"Smoothly directed by Kurt Johns, we are taken on a journey that allows us into the heart and soul of an often quoted statesman...Keaton has taken Churchill’s own writings and the teleplay 'Winston Churchill' to a new level and has opened the pages of history so that we can peek in and see the man behind the legendary stories...For those of you who love a bit of comedy with your history, catch this brilliant biography."
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"Winston Churchill was a statesman and a total badass. Ronald Keaton never shows us the formidable temperament behind them. Genial, sly, occasionally poignant, the performance is engaging but lacks bite. It's as if Keaton were playing a nostalgic old pal of Churchill's rather than Churchill himself."
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"This is not only an educational production but a highly entertaining one, often humorous and filled with moments that touch the heart as well as the intellect. Mr. Keaton’s determination to develop and bring this show to life is a real labor of love, and it’s a must-see, inspirational production that promises to speak to every generation."
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"He seemed to be channeling Churchill on stage! This is a “must see,” tour de force performance magnificently performed by one of the finest, under appreciated actors working in Chicago. Keaton captures the eloquence, the passion and the determination that fueled this complex man...I think Churchill would pour a whiskey and light a cigar in homage to Keaton’s portrayal."
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"However gloomy its premise, this is no dry fact-choked schoolroom lecture. Assisted by projections that locate us in time and place, Keaton has authored a brief glimpse of the "British Bulldog" rich in the acerbic wit and stirring rhetoric that renders Churchill's aphorisms quoted to this day."
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"Keaton’s play has the look and feel of a docudrama/history lesson.I never became emotionally engaged or connected with his Churchill. As Churchill, Keaton has his bag of brilliant acting tricks but the story itself lacks the emotional punch to make the show resonate."
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"Ronald Keaton in a tour-de-force, one-man show...Keaton’s commitment and dedication to bringing the larger-than-life character of Winston Churchill to the stage is evident in the historical detail and emotional honesty he brings to his subject...a bold, but intimate production."
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