A Soldier's Play

See it if Military murder whodunnit imbued with racial conflict. Characters we meet in act 1 turn deeper and darker in act 2. Excellent performances.

Don't see it if You don't like this genre. You don't want a lot of intensity/conflict/mystery. You want a fancier production.

See it if you're looking for a classic drama that still resonates today. You want a great performance from an ensemble cast.

Don't see it if the issues of racism and segregation greatly disturb you.

See it if if you enjoy a play that relies on straight blah-blah-blah narration

Don't see it if if you think a drama should SHOW not tell

See it if want to see great acting in a truly absorbing story. A mystery, but filled with racial tensions & an insight on what racial military

Don't see it if no reason NOT to see it.Everyone should see this & look deep inside themselves as this is as relevant today as it was the day it was written

See it if I saw this production tonight along with my wife.Both of us thought that this play was awesome.The characterization of the play was on point

Don't see it if If you need a lavish set or that you don't want to enjoy a play dealing with the Blacks being in command.This production has a no big names.

Also The Sergeant was simply a character you loved to hate.The captain also played his part to a tee.The other members of the cast simply played their roles as wonderful complimentary players.A must see for the true patron of the arts.A great production.... Read more Read less

See it if U appreciate 1st rate drama from Pulitzer winning playwright, seasoned Direction, passionate cast & talented support team in an A+ revival.

Don't see it if U prefer fluffy shows. U can't deal with racial & segregation facts in American history. U dislike period plays. This one is worth seeing!

Also This is a must see acclaimed theatrical gen in a great revival done with a sweep of mastery.
This story of a murdered Black Sargeant on a segregated Louisiana army base in 1944 triggers a racially charged whodunit mystery investigation where a Black officer is assigned to find the facts amidst disrespect to his color, cover-ups & surprise plot twists.

Cleverly using mystery genre, playwright Charles Fuller is actually examining the sensitive topic of race discrimination & segregation in America especially institutionalized prejudice. He also points out the prejudices among not only bigots but within people in the same race (often divided by socio-economic class & region.) It is still relevant & resonant today.

All actors regardless of experience are outstanding for complete immersiveness into their respective roles giving a credible memorable performance with characterizations that supported plots. Director Charles Weldon amazingly seasoned. Lighting , sound, costumes, set perfect.... Read more Read less

See it if You like layered writing that reveals the outcome little by little and in the process involves you in a complex way that characters respond

Don't see it if You want a laugh a minute show

Also The play is a classic and excellent. The acting was a little uneven in the first act, but by the second act everyone was in their groove and it was thrilling and heartbreaking.... Read more Read less

See it if good story-telling and/or historical significance are what you must love about theatre.

Don't see it if you find flashbacks distracting, although in this case they prove essential.

Also I'm surprised this fine play, which became a popular movie in 1984, has not been revived before. Kudos to the Negro Ensemble Company for honoring their 50th anniversary with this fine production.... Read more Read less

See it if History

Don't see it if You don't like crying

See it if You enjoy a well acted play with a lot of mystery surrounding the plot. A true classic that deserves revisiting.

Don't see it if If you expect to see a typical mystery.