What I liked
Stephen Spiegel portrays John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated president Abraham Lincoln. As the audience, we are treated to the stories of the many plans that went wrong for Booth and a few of his like-minded friends. Politics are discussed, but it never outweighs the humanity of one man who simply wants to take bold action to help his country. Indeed, through Spiegel, Booth is a sympathetic figure. We are all entitled to our political beliefs, he is a man who chose to act upon his even if it meant harming others.
This is a fascinating portrait of a man whose legacy is shadowed by judgment, ridicule and misinformation. Seeing him as a passionate man acting on passionate beliefs, adds a new dimension to what you think you know. Managing to bring a strong sense of humanity into what could easily have been a one-note show about villainy, Spiegel’s performance is an intense and engaging look into a complicated man’s heart.
What I didn't like
Being a historical drama, I would love to see this performed in a more elaborate set – I know the Fringe restrictions make this impossible for this venue, but this performance is worthy of a bigger playground.
My overall impression
In a strong one man show, the story that unfolds is a surprising and dramatic interpretation of an event we all feel we know about already. The fun here rests in the information revealed that led up to the act of murder.
