BWW Reviews: Mustard Seed Theatre's Amazing Production of ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 is a smartly conceived acapella musical by Peter Rothstein that chronicles the stunning events that occurred on Christmas Day 1914. It mixes short narrative bursts with 23 songs from the period, and it's never dull or contrived. For me, the hearty vocals produced by the cast are a sheer delight to listen to. Mustard Seed Theatre has put together a wonderful production that's a real treat for the upcoming holidays.

As the title implies, there was an actual truce on Christmas Day in 1914 during the first World War. Opposing forces laid down their arms and celebrated the holiday together in a way that would not be repeated for the duration of the war. It's a moment abounding in hope and the dream of ending the devastation that had already occurred.

A terrific cast works wonders with this material. Charlie Barron, Shawn Bowers, J. Samuel Davis, Gary Glasgow, Christopher Hickey, Jason Meyers, Antonio Rodriguez, Tim Schall, Luke Steingruby, and Jeffrey Wright all do a splendid job realizing their parts in this uplifting story. The music is given a chorale feel, and some of the numbers feature outstanding harmonies. It's amazing to me that so much power can be achieved without any musical backing, but this cast has the vocal chops to pull it off with considerable aplomb.

Director Deanna Jent does fine work with a very talented cast, and Joe Schoen's musical direction is impeccable. Kyra Bishop's scenic design effectively recreates the period's wartime setting, and Michael Sullivan's lighting keeps it all in focus. Jane Sullivan contributes the costumes, and Meg Brinkley provides the props.

Mustard Seed Theatre's production of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 is a real triumph, and I recommend it highly. It plays through No vember 24, 2013.

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