The Missouri History Museum might seem like a strange place to stage a play, but for local playwright and actor Joe Hanrahan, the museum is the perfect fit for his new, one-man show.
“We always try to do plays in spaces that are appropriate to the play,” he said. “When you see a play in a space conducive to the story, it really adds to the impact.”
The play, “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” by Samuel Gallu, is playing at the Missouri History Museum beginning today and running until Feb. 22.
The show tells the story of President Harry Truman, beginning with his appointment to the presidency when he took over for Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Act 1 and continuing on to both his involvement in World War II and other social issues facing the United States during his term.
“It’s a one man show,” Hanrahan said. “It’s basically an introduction to Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States, and his life and times. Truman talks directly to the audience and tells his story.”
It’s a story Hanrahan believes is as important today as it was while it was unfolding during the man’s term as president.
“I think he’s incredibly relevant today,” he said. “He’s one of the most respected presidents now.”
What most appealed to Hanrahan about playing Truman was the maturation he had to undergo while serving as commander in chief.
“One of the core things that appealed to me is that he was born in the 1880s but was a very 19th century man,” he said. “It’s a tremendously psychological change to go from a farm in the 1880s to a time of war. He grew into his job.”
Signing on for a one-man show is a unique challenge, according to Hanrahan, but one he has some experience with.
“Since I did one, I’ve kind of learned how to do it,” he said. “I keep finding interesting ones to do. I’ve done about six of them.”
The rehearsal process for a one-man show is a little different than the ones that go into plays with large ensembles.
“You rehearse a little less regularly because you can work on it on your own,” he said. “I set goals with myself to learn my lines.”
Hanrahan is especially interested in making sure he is believable to an audience as Truman.
“I’ve been studying his speeches on DVD,” he said. “I want to get people to listen to the words of Truman rather than seeing an actor.”
Recently, he has also been working closely with director Sarah Whitney to set up the technical side of the show.
A veteran of the St. Louis theater scene for decades, Hanrahan has watched the face of the scene change over the years.
About 10 years ago, he co founded a theater troupe, The Midnight Company, to get more control over the types of plays he’s involved in.
“We saw it as a vehicle for finding shows we wanted to do,” he said. “Most of them are new to St. Louis. I like to find plays that tell a great story, something I’d love to hear.”
Recently, he thinks the local interest in theater hasn’t grown fast enough to keep up with the upswing of solid, theatrical productions.
“It’s extremely busy. There’s a ton of theater going on, a lot of good theater,” he said. “I don’t think we have the press to cover it or the audience to see it. The people who are most interested in theater are working in it, and they don’t have time.”
Hanrahan hopes audiences can be as entertained by “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry” as they are educated by it.
“I think [audiences] will be stunned by the serious issues he had to face, but they’ll be entertained by this folksy, charming man,” he said. “Hopefully, if people don’t know him, this will shine on a light on the man for them.”
For more information about the play or about The Midnight Company, visit www.midnightcompany.com.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.mohistory.org or by calling the museum to reserve tickets at 314- 361-9017.
