Vickie Evans

I love so many different components of this production. I rarely devote extensive space in a review to set design, it’s usually a quick mention. However, this set and designer is worthy of its own ovation. Douglas W. Schmidt’s scenic design was exquisite—rich, detailed, and visually stunning. From the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped Austrian hills to the lavish von Trapp mansion complete with a glistening chandelier and an elegant outside terrace…every scene was visually appealing. Even the simple color wheel backdropping the monastery added a religious feel of a stained-glass window.

It is unheard of for me to walk away from a production without one ounce of criticism. Yet, it is true in this case. I LOVED everything about this performance. I felt like I did when I saw The Color Purple on Broadway the first time - pure jubilance. The entire cast is phenomenal! I definitely must acknowledge one of my all-time favorite singers, Deborah Cox, as Glinda, The Good Witch. I count her amongst the greatest singers of all time…comparable to the best to ever do it, Whitney Houston, The Voice, who she performed with and also paid tribute to as the lead role in The Bodyguard, a 2012 stage musical. I really enjoyed her in this performance as Glinda .

An observation for me is the relevancy of the storyline racism is still as prevalent today as it was during the time period in which A Soldier's Play was set. Major kudos to director, Kenny Leon, the cast of A Soldier's Play, and of course the playwright, the late Charles Fuller (who passed away last year) for reminding this audience that we still have a long way to go to knock down the door of racism, whether it is systemic or individualized.