Review: “Give ‘Em, Hell, Harry” at the Episcopal Actors Guild
Anthony J. Piccione
New York Critic
“Wouldn’t you like to have someone as honest as Harry S. Truman in office now?”
At least, that’s the question that was posed by the prolific Ego Actus Theatre Company, as they revived the autobiographical one-man show “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” this past weekend. Originally written by Samuel Gallu, former President Truman is brought back to life by prolific actor J. Dolan Byrnes, who brings a unique perspective to a role such as this, having once served as a Congressional aide during the Reagan administration.
I have to admit, as I walked to the theater to see this show, I was expecting a rather dated – albeit historically intriguing – piece of theatre, not because of when Harry Truman was president, but because of the fact that it premiered in 1975 when Gerald Ford was still in office. However, over the course of the night, I realized that it wasn’t difficult to find the parallels between today’s time and the time of President Truman, at various points of the show.
At one point, we are treated to a flashback of Truman delivering a speech on the Senate floor on wealth inequality and the corruption of big business, which doesn’t feel too far out of place with the sort of thing you might hear from someone like Bernie Sanders in 2018. At points when we hear Truman discuss controversial decisions such as the bombing of Hiroshima, or his disdain for pre-Trump extremists such as Joseph McCarthy, it’s easy to draw parallels between more modern presidents, such as President Obama, and the thinking that often went behind their decision-making processes as president. It was clear why Ego Actus chose now – at this point in history – to explore the history of the Truman presidency on stage.
In terms of Mr. Byrnes’ performance, he does indeed come off as presidential, displaying both the professional stature and charismatic personality that one would usually expect from a sitting president. My one criticism is that, at times, there isn’t much of a convincing Missouri accent to be heard in his voice, aside from scenes when he is delivering speeches or conversing with another politician. Nonetheless, he still generally manages to capture the personality that one might expect from such a figure as graciously humble as he is firmly principled, such as President Truman.
As we move further toward the midterm elections, Mr. Byrnes made a point after taking his final bow at the end about the importance of voting this November. Before theatergoers do that, however, I recommend seeing this show during its last weekend of performances, if you have the chance. It does a fine job at not only capturing a period in history that has long since passed, but at eloquently showing the audience how some aspects of American politics never really changed…
GIVE ‘EM HELL, HARRY
“Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” stars J. Dolan Byrnes.
“Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” is written by Samuel Gallu, directed by Joan Kane, and features stage manager Rachel Denise April, lighting design by Bruce Al Kraemer, costume design by Cat Fisher, hair design by Coco of Bumble & Bumble, and press representation by Jay Michaels.
“Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” – presented by Ego Actus Theatre Company – runs at the Episcopal Actors Guild, located at 1 E 29th Street, New York, NY, from October 18th-28th. Run time is approximately 1 hr and 45 minutes plus intermission.
For more information, please visit www.egoactus.com/harry.html