The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Carol Montana, Photos by Jeff Knapp

ELLENVILLE, NY (September 18, 2011) – For its final offering this season, Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville breaks all the rules with its superb and ultimately shocking story of a decorated and honored soldier suffering from the hidden wounds of war.

Based on a true story, “Medal of Honor Rag,” written by Tom Cole, originally opened in 1976 in New York. A docudrama was filmed in 1982 for the PBS American Playhouse series, starring Hector Elizondo and Damien Leake.

In a little over an hour (with no intermission), on a stark basement-type set designed by Drew Francis, three actors tell the powerful story of Dale “DJ” Jackson, a soldier who has experienced the ultimate horrors of war. Granted the Medal of Honor for bravery in rescuing many of his fellow soldiers, Jackson by no means escaped unscathed. He is rather, one of the walking wounded – his heart, his mind, his soul suffer from deeply buried emotional scars.

Set in the Valley Forge Army Hospital in 1971, “Medal of Honor Rag” is excellently directed by James Glossman, who has given us such Shadowland classics as last year’s “Guest Artist” (with John Astin) and “Two Jews Walk Into a War.”

Playing the honored but oh-so-fragile soldier is McKinley Belcher III. At first he is silently seething beneath the surface. The tension is palpable, the explosion expected, but nevertheless shocking in its intensity. Belcher is throughout, amazingly subtle and strong, keeping it in until the last possible moment. His fierceness slowly simmers as it approaches a searing climax. Belcher’s acting is astonishingly controlled. His performance is nothing short of stunning.

Engaging in the tennis match of wits with Jackson is a civilian psychiatrist (he is never named) who carries baggage of his own. Expertly portrayed by Joris Stuyck, the doctor is alternately tough and soft, gently pushing, deftly probing in his quest to understand the inner workings of Jackson’s mind. Stuyck’s superlative performance radiates an emotional warmth that belies the professional aloofness of his character. He manages to show us both the detached  psychiatrist and the caring human being as he agonizingly brings the details to the surface.

Edward Crawford plays the hospital guard and brings a welcomed levity to his scenes as the stiff-as-a-board military man.

“Medal of Honor Rag” is timely and evocative, and due to its subject matter, is rated PG-13.

The play runs through October 2 with curtain times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Call the box office at 845-647-5511 or visit www.shadowlandtheatre.org for more information.

Do not miss this stunning season finale at Shadowland.