Truman vs. Israel

 Truman vs. Israel
Abzug and the Undressing of Truman
Theater at St. Clements
October 11, 2025

Photo by Darin Chumbley, PictureDLC 
Courtesy of Greenhouse Theater Center 

The Greenhouse Theater Center’s production of Truman vs. Israel is a unique glimpse into a specific slice of history.  Playwright William Spatz sets up a fictional meeting between Harry S Truman and Bella Abzug that fervently illustrates the conviction it takes to make bold and difficult decisions.  There is no going back and there cannot be any regrets.  Director Randy White uses this theme in the way the cast approaches their characters.  Strong and bold choices are made, heightening the emotional impact of the play. 

After serving as President of the United States, Harry S Truman (played by Willy Falk) brings a defamation lawsuit against a NY journalist.  Truman’s law firm sends Bella Abzug (played by Helen Laser) to his home in Independence, Missouri to review the case.  Her main objective is to get him to drop the charges.  The law firm is concerned that the trial will prove the journalist’s statements correct.  These concerns are verified when President Truman tells Bella Abzug that Jews are not allowed in his home.  Don Muller, Ms. Abzug’s assistant (played by Matt Caplan), has an agenda of his own and contradicts her when she consults with President Truman.  This puts her on guard.  When Mr. Muller interviews Eddie, President Truman’s longtime friend and neighbor (played by Mark Lotito), these concerns are magnified.  It is the discussion of President Truman’s decision to not support or arm Israel that leads Mr. Muller to take action that no one anticipated. 

Willy Falk, Helen Laser, & Matt Caplan
Photo by Darin Chumbley, PictureDLC
Courtesy of Greenhouse Theater Center

The writing is full of facts about decisions that President Truman made while in office, including the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan and the support of the state of Israel.  The tensions in the scenes where these facts are discussed are high, giving the events a sense of urgency.  Even though they took place in the past, they have lasting effects.  The characters of President Truman and Bella Abzug are highly complex and known to most audience members.  Willy Falk and Helen Laser successfully take on this challenge, humanizing these historic figures.  Their strengths and flaws are equally portrayed.  They have strong beliefs in equality and justice, while both being stubborn, boisterous, and forthright.  

Willy Falk, Matt Caplan, & Helen Laser
Photo by Darin Chumbley, Picture DLC
Courtesy of Greenhouse Theater Center

Matt Caplan portrays Don Muller with equal complexity.  The difference is that his character is fictional.  He has a gripping and heartbreaking backstory.  When it is revealed, the motivation for his unexpected action is clearly justified.

The character of Eddie is both a help and a hinderance to the case Ms. Abzug is building.  Since he and President Truman were friends from an early age and served in the military together, Eddie has witnessed his bravery and heard his anti-Semitic and racist remarks.  These scenes are vital in painting a vivid portrait of President Truman.  Mark Lotito plays these scenes with total honesty, having great respect for his friend while seeing past his flaws and upbringing. 

Truman vs. Israel is playing at Theater at St. Clements through January 4.  It is a timely play, offering historic facts as a framework to better understand the present. 

Domenick Danza