"Butler" by Richard Strand at 59E59 - A Must See - Must Close This Sunday

I had hoped to see and review "Butler" a few weeks ago, but an unexpected appointment with emergency knee surgery in Boston postponed my trip to NYC.  I am glad that I was able to hobble my way to 59E59 for one of the performances of "Butler" late in the very successful run of this New Jersey Repertory Company production of Richard Strand's marvelous play.

Based upon a real event that took place early in the Civil War in the Commonwealth of Virginia, "Butler" tells the story of how Union Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler (Ames Adamson) handled the unexpected appearance at his fort of three runaway slaves seeking refuge. The spokesman for the runaways is the indomitable Shepard Mallory (John G. Williams), who admits that he annoys everyone with his brash style. He immediately runs afoul of recent West Point graduate, Lt. Kelly (Benjamin Sterling).  The opening scene is brilliantly written and executed, as Kelly has the unfortunate responsibility of informing General Butler of the surprise appearance of Mallory and his fellow runaways.  The verbal interplay between Kelly and Butler is clever and hilarious, with a strong emphasis on the use of the words "demand" and "astonished"! Equally entertaining is the subsequent sparring between Mallory and Butler. In this case, the adjective "convoluted" plays a leading role.

According to a surface reading of the law, General Butler is obligated to send the slaves back to their rightful owner, a CSA Colonel Mallory.  The Colonel sends Major Cary (David Sitler) to collect the slaves. The scene in which Butler and Major Carey wrangle concludes with a proffered toast with Genera Butler's fine sherry that leaves Carey apoplectic.  It turns out that Butler, a lawyer prior to the war, had used some clever and convoluted reasoning to refuse the demands of Cary and Colonel Mallory. The pivotal word in this exchange is a creative definition of "contraband."

John G. Williams as Shepard Mallory
Ames Adamson as Major General Butler
"Butler by Richard Strand
New Jersey Repertory Company
59E59 through August 28th

Strand's writing features a wondrous blend of humor and high drama, with each of the four characters drawn with precision and specificity.  Adding to the overall superb impression of this play is the gorgeous set designed by Jessica L. Parks, depicting General Butler's finely appointed office.

Each of the four actors is impressive, projecting individual eccentricities and scintillating chemistry in their interactions with one another. Director Joseph Discher has them performing at the top of their game, and each performance is award worthy.

Continuing the theme of excellence in production values are the costumes by Patricia E. Doherty, Lighting by Jill Nagle and Sound by Steve Beckel.

Benjamin Sterling as Lt. Kelly

John G. Williams as Shepard Mallory

Ames Adamson as Major General Butler

"Butler by Richard Strand

New Jersey Repertory Company

59E59 through August 28th

When Obie Awards are handed out for this season, I will be disappointed if "Butler" is not well represented.  If you can find your way to 59E59 between now and Sunday, you will not be disappointed. This is one of the finest plays I have seen this year.

Enjoy!

Al