"A moving drama that moves audiences to tears."
- Peter Marks, The Washington Post
"Powerful one-man show that honors our Veterans.”
-Broadway World
"A beautiful and truthful one-man show that celebrates Americans
who have fought for our freedoms."
- Craig Lucas (Tony Award-nominated playwright)
"Greatest piece of theatre you I've ever seen!
- Marc Coviello, Purple Heart Recipient 2014, Iraq, Afghanistan
Experience a powerful narrative that gives voice to veterans.
The American Soldier is a piece of theatre made to honor our Veterans and Military families. Its goal is to say THANK YOU to our Vietnam Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, and families of every other conflict America has been part of since the Revolution. It is a play that gives those without understanding or connection to the military a better understanding of service and sacrifices.
It is a powerful one-man show based on letters from Veterans and their families, spanning from the Revolution to our recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The script has been crafted through extensive research and countless interviews with veterans and their family members. It's a profoundly human story that honors our Veterans and their families and deepens our collective understanding of their experiences.
The American Soldier uses theatre to foster healing, connection, and community. It reminds us of the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit and what we all have in common as Americans. It has performed in over 40 cities, including some of the nation's most notable theatres, like The Kennedy Center in 2016 & 2019, The Library of Congress twice, Off-Broadway twice, New York Federal Reserve Bank, and American Legion's National Headquarters, and earned a nominated for an Amnesty International Award and received 4 stars out of 5 at the Edinburgh Festival, Fringe for theatre excellence.
The American Soldier invites audiences to journey through the American story. It delves into the lives of 15 Veterans and their family members, sharing their stories of bravery and selflessness. It fearlessly reveals their wounds, using darkness and humor, and gives moments that resound with lasting meaning for audiences old enough to remember and those young enough to yearn for inspiration.
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“Flawless and powerful.”
- The Huffington Post
“This play is such a wonderful and powerful voice for Veterans and gives them a voice.”
- Veteran Dan Lauria (Star of the TV Series The Wonder Years)
“He gives each voice a sensitive and moving presence. He's utterly unbelievable.”
– British Theatre Guide
"Make the most of your trip to D.C., and see
The American Soldier this weekend."
– The Washington Post
"The American Soldier is definitely one of the five things you want to do this Memorial Weekend."
– The Austin Chronicle
“It is a glimpse inside the mind of a veteran."
- The Washington Times
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"He honors our veterans in their own words."
– The Military Times
Douglas Taurel has been nominated for the Innovative Theater Award and the prestigious United Kingdom Amnesty International Award for this work with The American Soldier. The Library of Congress commissioned him to write, create, and perform his second solo show, An American Soldier’s Journey Home, which commemorates the ending of the First World War and tells the story of Irving Greenwald, a soldier in the 308 Regiment and part of the Lost Battalion. He has performed the play twice at the Library of Congress.
He’s an active producer and recently directed, wrote, and starred in a seven-part TV series called Landing Home. It earned Best Drama at the GI Film Festival, where Taurel was nominated for Best Actor and First Time Director. The series also earned Best Drama at the Wings of Honor Festival, and he was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama by the New Jersey Film Festival. It now streams on Amazon, Apple TV, and other streaming platforms.
Taurel recently portrayed Joe Petito in the Lifetime movie The Gabby Petito Story. The film is based on Gabby Petito's short life and tragic death and was directed by Thora Burch. He has appeared in numerous television shows like The Affair, Mr. Robot, The Americans, Blue Bloods, FBI Most Wanted, Person of Interest, Nurse Jackie, Damages, and numerous films, including The Cobbler (starring Adam Sandler and Dustin Hoffman) and The Kindergarten Teacher (starring Maggie Gyllenhaal), which premiered at Sundance.
On stage, he was performed in numerous Off-Broadway productions in some of New York’s most established theaters and regionally. The New York Times said his work as George in Of Mice and Men was “Douglas is an unbelievably fine actor.”
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Wow, this is awesome, Douglas. Thank you for all you’re doing!
- Pete Hegseth, Fox News
“I saw this play in New York. It is such an important voice for our Veterans."
- Michale Knowles, The Daily Wire
“Thank you for doing this play, Douglas! It means so much to us!”
- Brian Eisch Purple Heart Recipient (Netflix Documentary “Father, Son, and Soldier”)
“Thank you for being an enduring voice for our Veterans and Military Families!”
- Scott Mann, Retired Green Beret, Operation Pineapple Express
“Thank you for not forgetting us and for being a blessing to others. HOOAH!!
- Sgt. Diana Vazquez, Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, (Iraq & Afghanistan)
“This play is true in its words and touched the entire theatre and me very emotionally!”
- Veteran and Senator Bob Archuleta of California
"Now more than ever, we need theater, like The American Soldier, that unites rather than divides.”
- Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient & VP of IAVA, Allison Jaslow
“An incredible piece of theatre and reminded me why I chose to serve.”
- US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Melson
“Thank you for the work you are doing on behalf of Veterans. It is simply amazing.”
- Veteran Karen Lloyd, Director of The Library of Congress
"My wife and I were so moved! We were both so impressed and extremely thankful for the voice you gave us. ”
- Colonel Brad Wambeke, West Point Military Academy
"This play is raw and incredibly emotional. It gives people who have never experienced war or military service an excellent idea of what it is like. How it touches your soul and changes your life."
- Veteran Daniel S. Wheeler, National adjutant of The American Legion
Witness Stories that Matter
Honoring veterans through theater allows their stories to resonate deeply within our communities. The American Soldier is based on heartfelt letters from real veterans and their families, brings forth powerful narratives that often go unheard. By choosing to host a performance, you are not only presenting an engaging story, but also providing a platform for reflection and healing. We work closely with you to ensure a seamless experience that uplifts and honors those who have served.