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Long Fringe 2010: American Volunteers

Presented by City On a Hill Productions at Blue Theatre

January 19-January 30, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (3.5 Stars):
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American Volunteers follows a squad of special operations Rangers as they patrol the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The play focuses on three sergeants responsible for leading the squad, and the conflict that arises as each pursues life, liberty or happiness. The story is told through the bifocal perspective of a female soldier briefly attached to the squad, and a metamorphic Chorus. Warning: Strong language, violence, and meter. 

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  • Venue Info

    Blue Theatre

    916 Springdale Road
    Austin, TX 78702

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  • Admission Info

    Tickets: $8

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    January 19-January 30, 2010

    Times:
    Tue. 1/19 9:15 p.m.
    Thur. 1/21 7 p.m.
    Sat. 1/23 9:45 p.m.
    Sat. 1/30 12 p.m.

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  • Member Reviews

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    • Event Name: Long Fringe 2010: American Volunteers
      "American Volunteers on Tuesday night"
      Review posted by: Stacey D. Hopp from Austin, TX, Jan 24, 2010
      

      I enjoyed American Volunteers and have been thinking about it for some time. It had a very strong, supportive ensemble cast. The story moved me. Though I was expecting some more breakout... Expand

      I enjoyed American Volunteers and have been thinking about it for some time. It had a very strong, supportive ensemble cast. The story moved me. Though I was expecting some more breakout characters, they did all seem to meld into one big collective which is what I would imagine the war to be. (The scene between Sergeant Ron and Private Martin stands out.) The story captured the confusion, uncertainty, ambivalence, terror, anger and naivete of soldiers in a war in a place like Afghanistan. Though I wanted more specifics to this particular war, it wouldn't have made sense in the context of this play. The feeling of displacement amongst the troops in their environment was very prevalent which is a testament to a good script and really good actors. The staging was excellent. The actors may not have the presence that they will obtain with more experience, in the instance of this particular play it worked totally in their favor. I would definitely recommend seeing it Collapse

    • Event Name: Long Fringe 2010: American Volunteers
      "Risky but relevant"
      Review posted by: Silver Stage Siren from Austin, TX, Jan 21, 2010
      

      While war has been a theme in many a successful play, writing a play set in the heat of combat presents significant challenges. Techincal jargon and the chaotic atmosphere present in modern warfare... Expand

      While war has been a theme in many a successful play, writing a play set in the heat of combat presents significant challenges. Techincal jargon and the chaotic atmosphere present in modern warfare do not translate well on stage. To maintain the audience's interest, playright Johnny Meyer (himself a former Army Ranger)has to suspend reality in order to keep the work theatrical. This creates some problems with the believability of his characters--one minute, a soldier is spouting off sexual innuendos about the new female attached to the squad, the next he is soliloquizing in the manner of a Shakespearean tragedian. Although there are improvements to be made, Meyer should be applauded for his ability to take risks, to confront controversial material head on, and for calling attention to the emotional havoc that war wreaks on its participants. His work is relevant to the times we live in, and deserves the chance to be seen by all. Collapse

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  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Long Fringe 2010: American Volunteers
      "American Volunteers on Tuesday night"
      Review posted by: Stacey D. Hopp from Austin, TX, Jan 24, 2010
      

      I enjoyed American Volunteers and have been thinking about it for some time. It had a very strong, supportive ensemble cast. The story moved me. Though I was expecting some more breakout... Expand

      I enjoyed American Volunteers and have been thinking about it for some time. It had a very strong, supportive ensemble cast. The story moved me. Though I was expecting some more breakout characters, they did all seem to meld into one big collective which is what I would imagine the war to be. (The scene between Sergeant Ron and Private Martin stands out.) The story captured the confusion, uncertainty, ambivalence, terror, anger and naivete of soldiers in a war in a place like Afghanistan. Though I wanted more specifics to this particular war, it wouldn't have made sense in the context of this play. The feeling of displacement amongst the troops in their environment was very prevalent which is a testament to a good script and really good actors. The staging was excellent. The actors may not have the presence that they will obtain with more experience, in the instance of this particular play it worked totally in their favor. I would definitely recommend seeing it Collapse

    • Event Name: Long Fringe 2010: American Volunteers
      "Risky but relevant"
      Review posted by: Silver Stage Siren from Austin, TX, Jan 21, 2010
      

      While war has been a theme in many a successful play, writing a play set in the heat of combat presents significant challenges. Techincal jargon and the chaotic atmosphere present in modern warfare... Expand

      While war has been a theme in many a successful play, writing a play set in the heat of combat presents significant challenges. Techincal jargon and the chaotic atmosphere present in modern warfare do not translate well on stage. To maintain the audience's interest, playright Johnny Meyer (himself a former Army Ranger)has to suspend reality in order to keep the work theatrical. This creates some problems with the believability of his characters--one minute, a soldier is spouting off sexual innuendos about the new female attached to the squad, the next he is soliloquizing in the manner of a Shakespearean tragedian. Although there are improvements to be made, Meyer should be applauded for his ability to take risks, to confront controversial material head on, and for calling attention to the emotional havoc that war wreaks on its participants. His work is relevant to the times we live in, and deserves the chance to be seen by all. Collapse

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