Review
Beyond Glory
Laura Pels Theatre (Roundabout)
June 22, 2007
Morgan Wycks
mwycks@nyconstage.org
As a series of Medal of Honor awardees describe their events in the trenches
from wars mostly from the last century, Stephen Lang ably delineates the
differences and similarities of military types who became heroes. Despite a
feeling of "here's my thesis show" ("my very well produced thesis show"), the
credible points that Mr. Lang conveys are rarely less than engaging, often
pointed, and occasionally poignant. Using Larry Smith's book, Beyond Glory,
as his source material, Mr. Lang presents the gamut of those who seek to be
heroes, those who by chance become heroes and those who don't consider
themselves heroes despite heroic acts. Lightning fast character changes along
with the casual change of tops accomplish the task at hand to reassure us that
there are men (Mr. Lang thankfully doesn't include women in his repertoire) who
are honest, true and brave, especially now when it's heartening to receive that
kind of reassurance. Mr. Lang, whose forte seems to be those in the military,
very capably embodies each character if a bit too youthfully spry for some of
his elder folk. Director Robert Falls puts him through his paces adeptly enough
if not particularly creatively. The evening is ultimately sharp, usually
steering clear of sentiment, and by its end helped rid me of my cynicism
concerning the military.
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