A powerful, human portrait of leadership, legacy, and the quiet weight of memory
What happens when a meaningful figure of the 20th century steps out of the history books and into a single room, to speak directly — and candidly — to us? Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, written by Richard Hellesen and directed by Peter Ellenstein, answers that question.
The production invites the audience to Gettysburg in 1962, where an elderly Eisenhower, retired from public life, reflects on his presidency, his military career, and his upbringing while recording thoughts for a potential memoir.
Let’s be honest — a two-hour, one-person show about a former U.S. president could easily lean toward the heavy side. But Tony Award winner John Rubinstein is an absolute rockstar, giving a full embodiment of Dwight D. Eisenhower—an excellent storyteller with tone, pace, and organic movement through the space. I could imagine the conversations between him and director Peter Ellenstein as Hellesen wrote a conversation between a man and his past—a reflection of history and the present. How it repeats itself and how the receipts pop up, evidencing the present and making it even more unbelievable. The direction here was key as the weight of, again, a two-hour performance at one voice is not easy. The props and creative team made this production engaging.
Marty Burnett’s scenic design captures the grounded simplicity of Eisenhower’s post-presidency life, framing the monologue in a quiet, reflective space that feels both intimate and expansive.
Matthew Novotny’s lighting design is striking from the very first moment — I will not spoil it, but there is a powerful opening contrast that sets both tone and mood perfectly. Then there’s Joe Huppert, who wears three hats — Stage Manager, Sound Designer, and Projection Designer — nailing them all. The sound design included snippets of beloved TV and radio intros from the 1960s that instantly transport the audience. But it’s the projections that truly deepen the emotional texture of the show. Historic photographs echo, punctuating Rubinstein’s reflections with vivid reminders of the eras this president shaped — and was shaped by. Throughout the performance, there is a constant reference to Eisenhower’s ranking amongst the U.S. presidents by historians. The projections and the sound design play catch-up between the past and the present, delivering a fantastic plot twist.
Also, part of the experience of this production lies in the audience itself. Being among people who lived through Eisenhower’s presidency added another dimension — the audible “ohs” and “aahs” going through the theatre as familiar names and moments surfaced. It felt communal. Which, sadly, is rare these days. That is why theatre is so important!
Oh, and the house was packed. So, I am not the only one who was impressed.
Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is a meditation on history along with its heartbeat. John Rubinstein’s histrionic style reminded me of Kate Burton when she played the role of “Prospera” in The Globe’s production of The Tempest, flowing like a fish in water amongst the wordy, prolonged lines. Seeing this level of histrionics is a treat.
The production is suitable for history buffs, not-so-history buffs, and/or people who want to see something different.
Currently playing until November 23.
