Review: Mustard Seed Theatre's Splendidly Rendered ALL IS CALM - THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

Mustard Seed Theatre has brought back their popular staging of ALL IS CALM - THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 (for what they say is the last time, at least, for a while), which premiered in 2013, and it remains a piece of theatre that's worthy of your time and attention. Originally broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio, but later turned into a moving and compelling theatrical experience. The creators of this amazing work are Peter Rothstein, Erick Lichte, and Timothy C. Takach. If you haven't see it then you need to make sure you do so during its current run, and even if you have see it before, I don't have to tell you that it's well worth seeing again.

World War I was a bloody confrontation that took the lives of millions of young men, and it was fought in trenches by soldiers who were convinced it would be over quickly. But, that was not the case, and horrible chemical weapons like mustard gas were utilized by the enemy in their efforts to overcome the allied forces. But, for a brief shining moment an unscheduled truce occurred at Christmas time during 1914. Songs were sung, drinks were consumed, soccer was played, and the dead that littered the battlefield were buried with some semblance of honor. It was a memorable time that would not be repeated, with the fighting resuming until the conflict was finally resolved in 1918.

A number of the members of this splendid ensemble have performed this piece before, and that's a credit to the material. This years' cast includes: Paul Cereghino, Kent Coffel, Steve Isom, Steve Jent, Gregory Lhamon, Gerry Love, Antonio Rodriguez, Luke Steingruby, Kelvin Urday, and Jeff Wright. They bring this piece to life in vivid fashion, with songs that capture the spirit of the season, the period, and their predicament. The cast also act as a variety of characters, on both sides of the conflict, and speak dialog that is derived from various historical documents that chronicled the events of the play. I should also make note of the fact that this is an a capella musical that relies on the considerable talent of these performers to create a gorgeous and truly affecting sound.

Deanna Jent's direction is, as always, expertly conceived and executed. In fact, the play seems to get tighter and more emotionally charged every time I see it. Kyra Bishop's effective scenic design continues to evolve, and Michael Sullivan's evocative lighting adds the right atmosphere. Jane Sullivan's period costumes, and Meg Brinkley's props all add the necessary level of authenticity this production requires. Joe Schoen's music direction is precise and lovely.

Mustard Seed Theatre has brought back All is Calm - The Christmas Truce of 1914 for a final go round, and it's the kind of show that makes you think not only about the horrors of war, but also about the ability of humans to rise above their situation, if only for the briefest of times. This production continues through December 11, 2014 in the Fine Arts Theatre at Fontbonne University.