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NOW EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 27!

  • Nominated for a 2024 Outer Circle Critics' Award for Outstanding Solo Performance

Tony Award winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God) stars as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in this candid and fascinating fictional eavesdropping on the 34th President at his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania farm. It is 1962 and The New York Times Magazine has published its first list ranking the American Presidents in order of greatness, and poor Ike is ranked 22nd of 31. Enraged at being called “mediocre,” he mounts a defense of his life and career - his Kansas upbringing, his decorated Army career, his victories in World War II, and his two terms as President – contemplating the qualities and adversities that make an American President great. Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is adapted from a vast array of General Eisenhower's memoirs, speeches, and letters animated by a bravura performance by one of our great actors.

Reviews and Press

  • "a persuasive argument that Ike was among our most underrated [Presidents]." - The Washington Post
  • "Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is enthralling, fascinating, informational, and inspirational." - DC Theater Arts
  • "renowned actor and Tony Award-winner, John Rubinstein is Eisenhower...Before you vote this year, this is a great play to see." - MD Theatre Guide
  • "an engrossing tour through the 20th century by one of its shapers." - Washington City Paper
  • "see what good no, great theatre, is truly all about." - Broadway World
  • "a master class acting performance" - OUTSpoken

The New Los Angeles Repertory production of

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

by Richard Hellesen

Directed by Peter Ellenstein

2024-25 Season
Part of the 2024-25 Season

Digital Program

  • Read the digital program for Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground. Best viewed on your phone.

  • John Rubinstein

    President Dwight D. Eisenhower
  • Richard Hellesen

    Playwright
  • Peter Ellenstein

    Director
  • Michael Deegan

    Set Design
  • Esquire Jauchem

    Lighting Design
  • Joe Huppert

    Projection and Sound Design
  • Sarah G. Conly

    Costume Consultant

Book Club: "Ike's Bluff"

  • Title:Ike’s Bluff: President Eisenhower’s Secret Battle to Save the World

    By Evan Thomas
    Discussion Date: October 8, 2024 at 6:00 pm
    Location: Olney Library 3500 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832
    Free with RSVP to attend the discussion.

    Join the Olney Theatre Artistic Department staff to discuss "Ike's Bluff" in conjunction with our current production of Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

    It's as easy as reading the book and signing up to join the discussion. You can purchase a copy through Friends of the Library’s store on bookshop.org. A substantial portion of each sale benefits Friends of the Library Montgomery County in support of Montgomery County Public Libraries. There are also three copies available in the MCPL system, along with the e-book and Audio Book.

Promote The Vote

  • Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 3:00pm
    FREE

    Community event to promote voting and registration.

    Meet our Community Partner:

    Yellow Roses

    The Yellow Roses is an organization that empowers young people to participate in their democracy, even if they are too young to vote. Since 2020, The Yellow Roses have been organizing community events that bring together families for service learning projects, non-partisan "get out the vote" events, social justice story times, and local park clean-ups. 

Musical Theatre Audition Class with John Rubinstein

  • Monday October 14th 2024 at 6:30pm
    Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab

    Registration: $10
     

    If you're a young theatre professional who is looking to build up your audition skills to get that call back, then join us at Olney Theatre Center on October 14 to watch a master at work. John Rubinstein is a multi-award winning actor and director, most notably originating the role of Pippin on Broadway. In this special one-time opportunity, you will observe John Rubinstein work with a pre-selected group of professionals on their musical theatre audition technique while also sharing his incredible advice, experience, and insight with the whole group. This masterclass is a fantastic opportunity for committed young adults ages 16 and up who are aiming to make performance their primary profession.

Past Events

  • Opening Night Conversation

    Saturday, September 28, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab

    Watch the archival recording

    Olney Theatre’s Artistic Director is joined by Eisenhower playwright Richard Hellesen and director Peter Ellenstein to discuss the process of bringing a towering figure of the 20th Century to the stage.

  • The Ranking of American Presidents

    Sunday October 6th 2024 at 3:30pm
    Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab
     

    Watch the archival recording

    Why is Abraham Lincoln often considered the “best” American president?  Why is Herbert Hoover the worst?  And where does Eisenhower fit in? 

    Join us for an engaging discussion exploring lesser-known and widely-recognized facts about American presidents and their place in American history. Featuring insights from James Mann, author and journalist (and participant in the CSPAN Presidential Ratings); David Karol, Associate Professor of Government and Politics at UMD; and Tony Award winner John Rubinstein.

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

September 28 - October 27 2024

Buy Tickets

Box Office: 301.924.3400

Open Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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