Times and opinions change. There is a concept in political science known as the Overton window. It refers to the range of acceptable ideas the public is willing to adopt. The window changes over time so that once-fringe ideas become mainstream. It’s a concept that shows that political opinion is often contextual. This concept provides a lens through which to look at Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground at Olney Theatre Center. It’s about a president who is highly regarded by historians today, but in 1962 was ranked only 22nd of 31 presidents by The New York Times Magazine. John Rubinstein in ‘Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground.’ Photo by Maria Baranova. Here’s an opinion I can stand on: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground is enthralling, fascinating, informational, and inspirational. It offers hope that a lone hero can stand against political extremes, right and left. Like former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after him, Eisenhower believed “the middle was the usable part of the road — if you go too far right right or left, you wind up in a ditch.” The play takes place on the sun porch of Eisenhower’s farmhouse in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, August 1962. As the play opens, Eisenhower is furious that New York Times Magazine has ranked him 22nd of 31 presidents, and proceeds to spend the next approximately 100 minutes recounting his life and achievements — too many to name here. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was “a war hero who warned about the dangers of the military-industrial complex, a fiscal conservative who built highways…and a Republican who signed Civil Rights legislation,” wrote Olney Artistic Director Jason Loewith. Eisenhower (translates to “iron miner” in German) also established NASA and balanced the national budget three times. There is even a racial controversy around him — was he Black? That appears not to be the case. Tony Award winner (The Boys from Brazil, Family, Crazy Like a Fox) John Rubinstein embodied Eisenhower with marvelous precision in this one-actor show. From playwright Richard Hellesen’s script, which pulled from memoirs, letters, and speeches, Rubinstein brought Eisenhower’s humanity, pathos, and, yes, humor to life. Rubinstein’s performance hit every human emotion, from the sadness of reminiscing about D-Day fatalities, to political compromises made to the Republican party, to the joys of married life, to facing down controversial Senator Joe McCarthy. Rubinstein was also nominated for a 2024 Outer Circle Critics’ Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. He also created the title role of Director Bob Fosse’s Pippin. There are so many bon mots in this show, that even if you are not a reviewer you may want to remember them for your next cocktail party: “Moderation ought to govern human affairs”; “The only purpose of war must be peace”; choose the “harder right, not the easier wrong”; “Leave something better than when you got there.” Director Peter Ellenstein allowed Rubinstein free range to make the show an evening of historical eavesdropping. He did an excellent job preventing this show from becoming a “talking head” show, that is, he gave Rubinstein ample blocking to work with. This was key because there were no other actors. Rubinstein got to pace in a way that used all of the space on stage. The other physical “business” Rubinstein had to work with was fiddling with his old tape recorder, talking to other characters on the phone, and painting portraits. Projection and Sound Designer Joe Huppert provided historical photos that matched the narrative through the upstage window of the room. The sun porch set, within the black box space, looked thoroughly late-’50s–mid-century thanks to furniture choices by Set Designer Michael Deegan. I liked the little touches like the bust of Abraham Lincoln and family pictures. Costume Consultant Sarah G. Conly gave Rubinstein a simple sweater and conservative slacks and shirt. Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground challenges the audience to do hard things that are morally right and not take the easy path. It offers hope that principled leaders still exist. This show has been extended, but many nights are deservedly selling out. Buy your ticket today. Running Time: Two hours, with a 15-minute intermission. Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground plays through October 20, 2024, at Olney Theatre Center, Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD. Tickets ($45–$60) are available online or through the box office at 301-924-3400, open from 12 pm – 6 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, military, and students (for details click here).   The New Los Angeles Repertory production of Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground By Richard Hellesen CAST President Dwight D. Eisenhower was played by John Rubinstein PRODUCTION TEAM Director: Peter Ellenstein Projection and Sound Designer: Joe Huppert Set Designer: Michael Deegan Costume Consultant: Sarah G. Conly Lighting Designer: Esquire Jauchem