BWW Reviews: THE WHIPPING MAN at Nashville Repertory Theatre

Nashville Repertory Theatre brings a thoughtful and complex story to Nashville audiences with the production of The Whipping Man. With a small cast (only three actors are in the show), The Whipping Man makes perfect sense for a smaller theatre. Nashville Repertory Theatre's production adds man special touches to the show to bring a spectacular piece of theatrical writing to life for Nashville audiences. Written by Matthew Lopez, The Whipping Man explores the lives of a Confederate Soldier and two former slaves at the end of the Civil War. Direction by René D. Copeland brings the story to life, along with some amazing scenic and costume designs.

Eddie George (yes, former football player Eddie George) plays Simon, a former slave who is living in the dilapidated Richmond home of his former master. When Simon's former master Caleb, played by Matthew Rosenbaum, shows up at home with an injury, Simon must care for him. John, played by James Rudolph, is another former slave who grew up in the home with Caleb, often as a friend and playmate.

With Simon and John no longer slaves by law, the relationship they have with Caleb has shifted. The one thing they all seem to have in common is their religion. All three men are Jewish. Caleb, by birth, and Simon and John by taking the religion of their masters. With Passover beginning, the three men begin open up in ways they haven't before. The result is a raw, harsh, and sometimes explosive series of conversations.

Eddie George steps into the character of Simon with ease. Simon is such a multifaceted character, having years of experiences and hurts that he could be a difficult character to portray. George manages to embrace the parental side of Simon, while still being able to take on the harsher side of the character as well. James Rudolph makes John the comic relief of the show, while still sharing the pain and resentment that is so much a part of the character. Matthew Rosenbaum gives Caleb a very relatable persona. Caleb is a complicated character who has seen much in his life and Rosenbaum is able to bring all of the emotions of the character to the surface with ease.

Scenic and Properties designer, Gary C. Hoff, outdid himself with this production. When I walked into the theatre, I was immediately struck by how elaborate the detailing of the set was. There are so many tiny details that the eye almost can't take them all in. But while there are so many things happening on the stage, it isn't the least bit overwhelming. Instead, it is like looking at a great piece of art: each time you look at it, you see something new.

While this show has an extremely heavy feel to it, it left me (and hopefully all audience members) contemplating many things. The show forces the audience to evaluate who they are as people and why they believe the things they believe. Are we born into our religion? Is it given to us? Do we choose our own religion based on the circumstance around us? How do the things we believe connect us with others? What can make a person throw their beliefs away?

The melding of the story and the performances, along with the exquisite scenic and costume design gives an end result of near perfection. Nashville audiences who enjoy a thoughtful theatre-going experience should not miss this production of The Whipping Man.

The Whipping Man plays in the Andrew Johnson Theatre at Tennessee Performing Arts Center through February 21st. You can purchase tickets by visiting their website or by calling the box office at 615-782-4040.

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