Theatre Testimonials
The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
American Legion Headquarters in Indiana
"This play is raw and incredibly emotional. It gives people who have never experience war or military service, a true and excellent idea of what is it is like. How it touches your soul, and changes your life."
- Daniel S. Wheeler, National adjutant of The American Legion
California
This play was so important for our community. It brings to light the challenges our veterans face and serves as an educational tool for our non-military families. We received amazing feedback from our audience who were moved by the powerful piece. They all thanked us for bringing this important work to The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, CA.”
— Anna Cross | Cultural Arts Manager - City of Tracy | Grand Theatre Center for the Arts
The staging was impeccable, the characters played to perfection. The emotion each character carried was heartfelt and moving. I was left speechless and mesmerized by the characters, set and the sound track of war. It truly is an unforgettable experience. I expected to see a chronological timeline of war dating from the Revolutionary war to present day. Instead, I found a menagerie of characters whose war eras were intertwined and perfectly sewn into the fabric of the play. “The American Soldier” truly id a beautiful work of art, one not to be missed. There are no words to let you know how profound your performance of “The American Soldier” was tonight.
You had us in the spell of your characters, whether it be a soldier, child, wife or friend. You delivered each soldier’s story so well, that I knew who was Irish, Latino, Italiano American and what era or part of the country you portrayed.
— Rebecca A. Harrington, Artistic Director of Modesto Theatre and Manager of GI Forum
Connecticut
“It was our pleasure to have Douglas Taurel bring his phenomenal show “The American Soldier” to our stage this fall. This play represents the best of the type of work we are proud to share with our audience here in Ridgefield, CT. In a political and social climate that is fraught with emotion and vitriol a piece like this is more important than ever. It is so important that we never forget the common valor and struggle of our American soldiers, from the past and right through to the many places they serve in conflict today. Doug’s total respect for The American Soldier framed within the social and political climate of each war is compassionate, respectful, painful, sad- a true embodiment of the totality of the experience of those who serve. If you have the opportunity to bring his work to your venue, do it! He is a professional through and through, and the play needs to be performed.”
- Pamme Jones, Ridgefield Theatre Barn President, CT
Cape Cod
“It was brilliant! It was an emotionally charged and incredibly intense series of vignettes that were perfectly portrayed by Douglas Taurel. He left the audience completely changed! Thank you for bringing this special, memorable production to Cape Cod, Massachusetts to honor our veterans.
Your show was a sensational GIFT to the Cape!”
- Barnstable Playhouse, MA. Ann M. Ring, Artistic Director
Illinois
Douglas,
I was so completely blown away by the performance yesterday! Thank you again for bringing this important piece to Champaign and to the Virginia Theatre. It’s been a real pleasure working with you.
- STEVEN BENTZ, Director, Virginia Theatre
Kansas
“We were spellbound. Totally riveted. We couldn’t move. Totally spectacular! An unbelievable voice for past and current veterans!”
– Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas
New Hampshire
The American Soldier was everything I thought it would be and more. It's hard for non-military people to understand what our armed service vets have gone through, but this show is the best way I have ever seen to start the much-needed conversation. Douglas Taurel's spot-on characterizations take us deep into the darkness of the wars of the earth and of the human heart. With his deft writing and carefully selected material, we get to experience the effects of war from veterans and their families' perspectives through their letters. It is profoundly moving and illuminating, a glimpse into a kind of experience most of us will never know. This show is a great way to say thank you and to honor our vets for their sacrifices. If it comes to your area, don't miss it! Better yet, find a way to bring the show to your area! We are honored that he was able to come and present at UNH!
- Deborah A. Kinghorn, Professor at the University of New Hampshire
“The American Soldier was excellent! Many of the board members from The Homeland Heroes Foundation came to see the performance and we all left with the same thought: “we can we see it again”? Doug, your performance was thought provoking and very well done. It represents so many “truths” from the military culture, so much good information that the civilian population is not aware of. We need more people to understand the plight of veterans and your show is a very big step in the right direction.
Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.
- Julie Weymouth, The Homeland Heroes Foundation – Executive Director
New Jersey
“Our theatre strives to create theatrical experiences that relate to and move our audience. Douglas Taurel’s The American Soldier certainly fulfilled that aspiration. His heartfelt performance deeply moved our audiences. The American Soldiers a beautiful work of theatre.”
- Chris O’Connor, Mile Square Theatre Artistic Director, Hoboken, NJ
New York
"Doug, It was our pleasure. The Veterans Resource Network always delivers programming that raises the awareness of issues affecting Vets however I think this time they raised the bar. Intellectually everyone can understand PTSD, disabilities and depression. You helped all of us live it through your performance. I have already received several emails from folks in attendance who are thanking the network for hosting you and talking about how impactful the show was. I was on a call with one of our resource network leaders who was on the elevator following the performance and heard someone remark, “This was the best thing I’ve seen at the Bank in my 25 years here.” I think that says it all. Thank you Doug for your service and I have a feeling we’ll be crossing paths again!”
- Ron Taylor, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, New York Federal Reserve
"The American Soldier powerfully brings home the impact of war on the people who live it day in and day out. He plays each character with passion, nuance, and heart...a must-see!"
– Nancy I. Kelly, Producer, Mono a Mono Festival, New York, New York
"Douglas Taurel offers an unvarnished portrait of generations of warriors and the pressures that continue to mold them after their wars are over."
- Off-Broadway, John Chatterton, Curator & Producer of Midtown International Theatre Festival
“The two performances were unforgettable! Those who attended the two sold-out shows were moved beyond words at the show’s power and its messages. “
- Frank Marquette, Theatre on the Road at Arts at the Chocolate Factory, Red Hook, NY
"Douglas Taurel's performance of The American Soldier was an outstanding "tour de force," packed with heartfelt emotion and spirit. I was genuinely moved by the incredible stories and Douglas' ability to transform himself into 14 different characters. This is a show that I highly recommend to everyone! A Must See!"
- Neil Caplan, Artistic Director of Bannerman Castle Trust, Bannerman Island, NY
“I have had the privilege of seeing Douglas perform the American Soldier twice. I work with active duty military and veterans that suffer with PTSD and find this performance incredibly powerful and relevant. I feel strongly that anyone working with this population see The American Soldier. In fact, I think everyone should see this performance. The general population needs to know what our military and veterans endure.”
-Laurie Fancher Hearts4Heroes, Bedford, NY
New Orleans
Doug
Your sincerity in bringing these stories to life were a true blessing to all who attended. The audience and staff was truly invested in your work on stage. Saludos a su famiglia!
- Dennis Assaf, Artistic Director of Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Douglas, This is so beautiful. What a great gift you have sent us!! I have your postcard above my desk at home as a reminder of your show and the road we all took to get there...so many times we worried it could not happen but it did and what a wonderful experience it was. I am grateful personally for the chance to meet these local veterans and between the VFW and Bastion have made real friends who I remain in touch with. I just spoke w/ Michelle last week from Bastion about working together on some things in the New Year, and Tab has asked me to continue to text him about upcoming shows. We are building lasting relationships,all due to your show!!
- Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Director of Marketing and Community Relations of Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Texas
“What a powerful show to see! The veterans and all of our residents were moved to tears. What a gift you gave to all of us, especially our veterans. It brought up so many emotions for everyone that we have not stop talking about the power and beauty of your show for the past week. What a wonderful show and opportunity you gave us. Thank you so much Douglas!”
- Liz Salinas, Engage Life Director, Atria at the Arboretum, Austin, TX
“This is a WONDERFUL one man show to have ever played at TBH Arts Center!.. It speaks to the fabric of what makes America so beautiful.”
– Javier S. Perez, Artistic Director of Talento Bilingual of Houston, Houston, TX
“Your work is so awesome! As I sat there watching you, I said to myself, wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing this caliber of acting at our theatre. Being the daughter of a Korea veteran, and the niece of two other war veterans, I began to remember their stories, and their quiet and silent pauses after their stories. You transported our emotions and imagination beyond believe. You and this play will be remembered fondly, and as long as I’m here, you will always be welcome! Thank you and God bless!”
– Linda Crockett, Event Coordinator, City of Austin, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Austin, TX
It was such a joy to have this show at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. He moved our audience and veterans to tears. It is such a beautiful show to see and was such a joy to share with our audience. It is a tremendously powerful show that everyone should see. Thank you Douglas for -bringing The American Soldier to our theatre.
-Herlinda Zamora, Culture & Arts Manager, City of Austin, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Washington D.C.
“It was great to have you here Douglas! I watched the performance over the livestream and thought it was fantastic. I had a patron come to our stage the next day and pulled me aside to tell me how great you performance was as well. Congratulations, and I look forward to having you back!”
- Diana Ezerins, The Kennedy Center’s Programming Manager
“Dear Doug, Watching you in action was such a pleasure. Your production brought those soldiers to life for me. Thank you for the work you are doing on behalf of Veterans. It is amazing and I am so glad I had the opportunity to witness.”
- Karen Lloyd, Library of Congress
West Point
"Douglas, First off, you did a superb job on Saturday! My wife and I were really impressed, and are both extremely thankful for having the opportunity to see your show. I think it would be well received by members of the West Point community. You can certainly share my thoughts with Maura, and she's welcome to contact me if she has any questions.”
- Colonel Brad Wambeke
Virginia
“The American Soldier is a riveting play that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Using dramatic presentations of the lives of individual soldiers through time, the play allows the audience to see into the personal experiences and the emotions of real people, and to gain invaluable insights into the effects of war. These effects are deeply personal and timeless – shared experiences from the Revolutionary War, to the Civil War, World Wars, Vietnam War and Wars today. Douglas Taurel is superb, creating believable and emotion-filled portrayals that I will never forget!”
– Pam Pettengell, Director of Programs, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, VA
“Douglas, you have proved the power of drama in making the past relevant to the world today. The American Soldier makes history less about dates and events, and more about the lives of people. Thank you for bringing The American Soldier to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown!
– Mark Howell, Director of Education, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, VA
Virginia
“Run, don't walk to purchase your tickets to experience Douglas Taurel's remarkable performance in his award winning solo show, THE AMERICAN SOLDIER . Taurel takes us on a journey through our American history as seen thru the eyes and stories of our American service men and women and their families. Taurel's seamless transitions from one character to another show us an open love letter to not only our active military and veterans, but also to their families who often sacrifice so much to support their warriors. Each character explores the cost of service to our country while remaining steadfast in their resolve to keep our country free. I believe one veteran present for Taurel's performance said it best, " If you don't recognize yourself in this show, you definitely see someone you know. "
Douglas Taurel's THE AMERICAN SOLDIER---A must see solo performance.
- Jane Irvine, Vittles for Veterans, Radford, VA
