Luft Gangster NYC Reviews and Tickets

84%

(16 Reviews)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Great acting, Intelligent, Thought-provoking, Great staging

About the Show

Nylon Fusion Theatre Company presents this WWII drama based on the true story of U.S. Army Air Corps veteran Sgt. Lou Fowler, the cousin of playwright/star Lowell Byers.

After bailing out of his crippled B-24 bomber under heavy fire from German forces, waist gunner Lou Fowler is captured by the Nazis. Incarcerated along with other Allied fliers in an inhumane Nazi prison camp, Lou has to heal his own battle injuries as his captors treat him as just another ‘luft gangster’—a term Joseph Goebbels coined as propaganda to convince Germans that all American flyers were criminals released from prison in order to fight in World War II. In a time and place where men on both sides of the war were stripped of all things civilized and reduced to the bare essentials of life, where a single slip of the tongue could mean death, Lou has to rely on his faith to make it out alive. Directed by Tony nominee Austin Pendleton.

Member Reviews (16)

Made personal as the real daughter of the protagonist was sitting in front of me

See it if a small, intimate true tale of war and capture appeals. Characters were real and distinct and I committed to their story. Think Stalag 17.

Don't see it if A black box theater with 7 playing many is not your favorite meal. You want to know more about the Luft Gangsta propaganda. Read more

Great acting, Great staging, Great writing, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if you appreciate a well-written and directed play about WW2 with a superb cast. Bravo to Byers who wrote and performs in this chilling tale.

Don't see it if you only enjoy comedies.

Critic Reviews (7)

"Incisive direction of Tony Award winner Austin Pendleton...Authentic passages of dialogue in German, Slovenian, and Italian underscore the difficulty Allied soldiers had in communicating with the Europeans in their native tongues, contributing to their sense of displacement, alienation, and uncertainty. We feel it, along with the cruelty and fear, suspicion and camaraderie, dread and boredom, all embodied with credibility and depth by Byers and an excellent supporting cast."
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"Byers’ absorbing wartime drama...The story of Lou Fowler is vividly brought to life in 'Luft Gangster,' and directed with unflinching yet graceful flair by Pendleton...'Luft Gangster' becomes more riveting and engrossing as it progresses, slowly revealing its emotional center and taking great care in its character development...'Luft Gangster' is guaranteed to captivate the audience. The fact that it’s faithfully translated from a true story, however, really, shall we say, 'brings it home.'"
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“This is a riveting and intense drama that reveals the tedium of being a POW and the different psychological and emotional coping mechanisms each individual prisoner uses to get through. The play builds in intensity and keeps the audience engrossed in the story and the ultimate fate of Louis ‘Lou’ Fowler, a United States Army Air Corps waist gunner on a B-24 Liberator, who was shot down in March 1944 during a routine bombing mission and held prisoner in Stalag Luft VI. Highly recommended!”
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“Austin Pendleton’s even touch as a director provides the right restraint and prevents the play from falling into melodrama and stereotypes…The depiction of both American POWs and Nazis is well rounded, and undercuts some of the broader stereotypes. Instead, the play unearths the subtler terrors the POWs faced in internment, such as the language barrier…Byers also draws the German officers as real people.”
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"This story latches onto your attention early and doesn't let go. The gradual building of intensity and the smooth introduction of various characters, actors, and settings draw the viewer into the life of the lead character, Lou Fowler, a United States Army Air Corps waist gunner, who was shot down and held prisoner by the Germans at Stalag Luft VI. The play keeps things engaging on a personal and dramatic level. Solid acting helps to create a sense of purpose for each character."
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For a previous production

“The script is solidly written, emotional, with both beautiful speeches and sharp episodic scenes, and it comes to life effortlessly under Pendleton’s solid, decisive direction and thoughtful, committed concept. Nylon Fusion brings together a stunning ensemble of talented, tender actors…The show is thrilling, seamless, and real. Go to 'Luft Gangster' and you will laugh, cry, and be impressed by the immaculate product of talented artists coming together under a clear vision."
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For a previous production

“A powerful, moving, and even funny mediation on the horror of being a POW in WWII. The dialogue is natural and the scenes are thrilling, masterfully directed by Pendleton...The entire ensemble has standout moments, and every one of them brings a powerhouse performance…Yet for all of the good, there are a few bumps in the road...Even with a few abrupt moments in Act II (including an ending that is this close to working), it doesn't diminish the power of the play.”
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