Vanguard Productions presents ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

The cast of ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 by Vanguard Productions in Milwaukee through December 22, 2024. Photo by Jake Badovski.

By Mary Boyle

In 2022, a new theatre company popped up in Milwaukee called Vanguard Productions.  They staged a holiday dramatic reading of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by Peter Rothstein, which is based on the true story of an unsanctioned and unapproved cease fire on Christmas Eve between the German and Allied troops on either side of “No Man’s Land” in World War I.  The reading was such a hit that Vanguard remounted a full production inside their new home at the beautiful Calvary Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee for this past season. This season, ALL IS CALM returns, even more vocally powerful than before, to prove why it deserves to be a part of the show lineup for the holiday season. 

Directed by Joshua Pohja, with music direction by Paula Foley Tillen , All is Calm is a fast-paced, powerful, and moving production with period music sung by the actors on the stage, interspersed with quotes from the actual soldiers who wrote about it after the event in journals and letters to their loved ones.  The church makes for a beautiful setting with good acoustics, which is important, because these performers can really sing.   Isaac Brust, Kai DeRubis, Tomás Dominguez, and Marvin Hannah were all in last season’s production.  Joining the cast this season is Adlai Kim, Liam Ledford, Shayne Patrick, Hans Pfrang, Aundre Reid, Matthew Torkilsen, Coltyn VonDeylen, and Wesley Yaroch.  The lighting design by Antishadows Theatrical Designs adds drama to the production exponentially; combined with the costumes by Amelia Strahan, it feels as though the soldiers have stepped forward in time to encourage us all to wonder, "What if we'd all walked away and refused to fight?"

“…it remains one of the most storied and strangest moments of the Great War—or of any war in history,” write A.J. Baime & Volker Janssen for History.com.  “Enemy soldiers began to climb nervously out of their trenches, and to meet in the barbed-wire-filled ‘No Man’s Land’ that separated the armies. Normally, the British and Germans communicated across No Man’s Land with streaking bullets, with only occasional gentlemanly allowances to collect the dead unmolested. But now, there were handshakes and words of kindness. The soldiers traded songs, tobacco and wine, joining in a spontaneous holiday party in the cold night.”

This story, which tells the tale of men who chose to disobey their commanders, lay down their arms, and celebrate the season for one night; to see each other as fellow human beings and not as enemies or others, is the ultimate example of the spirit of Christmas, of peace on earth, and of goodwill toward men.  This is a story that needs to be told right now, and it is a holiday production that is truly for all ages and all people, regardless of faith or tradition, as the “Great War” is a part of our collective human history.   All is Calm is almost the antithesis to The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol in that it is not fiction but historical proof that people are truly capable of goodness and choosing peace, but it is our leaders who often cause us to stray from what we know is right.  We all have that choice to make and, ultimately, every time we choose kindness, we get that much closer to peace on earth.

ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 runs through December 22, 2024, at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee, located at 935 W. Wisconsin Ave.  Tickets may be purchased online at: https://www.vanguardmke.com/tickets-and-events.  

Join Vanguard Productions for their final show in their 2024-2025 season, a new take on Shakespeare's HENRY V, May 23-25, 2025!  
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About Vanguard Productions
Founded in 2022 by Co-Founders George Lorimer and Joshua Pohja, Vanguard Productions strives to elevate Milwaukee Theatre and create a shared sense of community through excellent performances.  Vanguard Productions is committed to thoughtful and engaging storytelling that is reflective of the diverse and vibrant community of Milwaukee. We believe that theatre is a necessary and sorely needed source of community in an increasingly alienated world. We hope you'll join us onstage, in the rehearsal room, or in the audience.  Learn more at vanguardmke.com.