Actor Under Fire

I thought the show was wonderful. My son had just arrived from England with an English friend and, for my Father's Day, I asked them to come to Actor Under Fire because I thought it would give them a taste of the uniqueness of LA theater as well as an appreciation of how a young man (not unlike themselves), found himself unwittingly in the middle of the Vietnam war. The show was personal, funny and very poignant. It is storytelling at its best and I highly recommend the experience.... full review

Extremely funny, very moving, and briskly paced. Expertly directed. Mr. Gleason has reached a point in the performance of this piece where he is not really acting------he's just being.A real tour do force. Don't miss this. Jude Ciccolella ... full review

James Gleson is clearly an Actor Under Fire. The Viet Nam experience is one that is being repeated in the middle east and one that strikes the heart. Done with laughs and a hefty bag of characters that will stay with you for some time, one is carried through the art of being an actor in the service of their country and how it changed him and those he met. Direced by the skilled Anita Khanzadian it is something everyone should put on their calendar as this show is a "don't miss."... full review

it was a pleasure listening to Airman Gleason's story of his service in the Vietnam War, providing a break from the battle, to laugh and escape from the field, if only for a couple of hours. For those who never returned, may they have been left with the lasting memory of a song and a laugh, for they served their country ... Proudly. This performance took me back to my basic training in 1986 and gave me a fun, yet frightening vision of the war that we should never forget. I highly recommend this fantastic play for all, not just those who served. ... full review

In Actor Under Fire, actor/writer James Gleason and his director, Anita Khanzadian easily navigate the pitfalls of most one-person shows. There is not one predictable moment. Gleason is funny, moving and human as he takes the audience through his experience as an actor/soldier during the Viet Nam War. This is NOT one of those one-man shows where you keep hoping for another actor to show up. Gleason is a long-time pro at the top of his game. The writing is perfect. The theme of the show could not be more relevant than it is today. The production is simple, honest and never less than compelling. Seeing Actor Under Fire, you remember there are some theatrical experiences that can only happen live, on stage. The electricity between the ... full review

Midway through Actor Under Fire, I realized that I was, in fact, watching a performance. Writer and actor James Gleason is so warm and comfortable that it took me by surprise that I was in a theatre and not, as I had felt, in a living room listening to my own grandfather’s stories of Vietnam. Gleason’s one-man-show tells of his time in Vietnam. From his attempt to escape the draft by joining the priesthood, to his eventual self-discovery as a member of the touring troupe of actors entertaining the troops. From boot camp, to being cast in Neil Simon’s Star Spangled Girl, Gleason shares his bond with both the soldiers fighting the war, and with the Vietnamese people themselves. Gleason’s first hand account of the war is humorous, althoug... full review

James Gleason invites us along on a ride with him through the absurdities of war. We witness his deep connections with his fellow soldiers and ultimately mourn the loss of many of these colorful and courageous men and women. With use of simple cube furniture and lighting, James shares his growth as a man and an actor playing Neil Simon's material in Viet Nam.Not to be missed! ... full review

James Gleason's wit, charm and acting skill culminate beautifully in his one-man show Actor Under Fire directed by Anita Khanzadian. Taking us through his personal journey of going to Vietnam, we witness the crazy circumstances and events of the war environment while he introduces us to the people he met and will never forget. It's the perfect blend of drama and comedy. This is a special and personal show - don't miss it! ... full review