Powerful and emotional Whipping Man

The Whipping Man takes a different look at the Civil War.  Matthew Lopez’s play receiving it’s Boston premier at New Rep focuses on a Confederate soldier just back at the end of the war and two of his now freed slaves, however the three are Jewish.       Caleb stumbles back in his family’s home – a wonder wonderful and grand home now showing its own battle scars.  Caleb crawls into the house unable to walk as his leg was hit by a bullet and has turned gangrenous and is discovered by Simon is (now former) slave who has stayed in the house waiting for the return of his wife and daughter.  Soon we meet John, another of Caleb’s former slaves who has been in hiding in and around the various houses in town.  Over the course of the next 2+ hours the audience is taken on an intense emotional journey learning what has brought these three men together.  Weaved through the story is the fact that Caleb’s family is Jewish and has raised their slaves in the Jewish faith and customs.  It’s an interesting twist on the tale but one that on occasion has the parallels between Jewish slavery and the Civil War struggle overemphasized, especially during the Passover scene – it’s powerful stuff but doesn’t need to be beaten over the audience’s head.  There were many powerful moments opening night where the audience sat in rapt silence taken in by the story, acting, and directing. 

Benny Santo Ambush masterfully directs this well crafted production.  Jesse Hinson does a wonderful job as Caleb and although he spends almost the entire play either on the floor or in a chair is able to provide depth and draw in the audience.  Johnny Lee Davenport gives an amazing performance as Simon showing great depth and variety of emotion in this role.  It’s always great to see such good acting.  It seemed that Keith Mascoll took a few minutes to settle in as John, but once he did he delivered a solid performance.  Kudos should be given to the entire design team for the beautiful set and the very cool rain effect.  There were some moments that were tough to sit through (and not because of the acting of directing!) watching the characters go through some of the scenes was tough – but that’s the intent – to make the audience feel uncomfortable at times and this production succeeded – and it was well worth it to be able to experience this production.   

~ Frank Furnari, New Rep Reviewer