John Rubinstein to Play President Eisenhower Off-Broadway in New Solo Play

Tony Award winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God) will star as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, a solo play by Richard Hellesen and directed by Peter Ellenstein. Produced by the New Los Angeles Repertory Company, the play will run off-Broadway at Theatre at St. Clements June 13-July 30, with an official opening on June 20.

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is described as a “fictional eavesdropping on President Dwight D. Eisenhower at his Gettysburg, Pennsylvania farm. It is 1962 and New York Magazine has published its first list ranking the American Presidents in order of greatness. Pondering his placement on the list, Eisenhower looks back on his life — 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.” The play is adapted from a collection of Eisenhower’s memoirs, speeches, and letters, with the support of the Eisenhower Foundation and permission from David and Susan Eisenhower and the Eisenhower family.

“I had never before done a one-person play,” said Rubinstein in a statement. “I had often thought that I would like to try it, but never found the person to portray or the piece to interpret — until Peter Ellenstein sent me this inspiring play by Richard Hellesen. I think that people need to hear these profound, personal, and uplifting words from an actual U.S. President during these very trying times. I was so gratified by the overwhelming enthusiasm we were shown when we premiered in L.A. last fall, and we are all extremely proud and happy to now bring this play to New York audiences this summer.”

Developed by New Los Angeles Repertory Company, Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground was first presented in the fall of 2022 in Los Angeles by Theatre West in association with New Los Angeles Repertory Company. The New York premiere will feature a scenic design by Michael Deegan and Sarah Conly; costume consultation by Sarah Conly; lighting design by Esquire Jauchem; and projection and sound design by Joe Huppert.