An […] hour of pure talent and dedication; and the Beatles soundtrack is just the cherry on
top.
Written, directed by, and starring the US-based actor-playwright duo Xloe Rice & Natasha Roland, ‘A Letter To Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First’ is a true gem hidden in the Soho Theatre’s current line-up. This 2-woman show is an exciting blend of storytelling, physical comedy, and clowning that draws parallels between American Boy Scouts and soldiers drafted in the Vietnam War. Walking into the room and only seeing a black truck tire lying on the floor, you don’t know what to expect – and then you are immediately captured by and hooked on these two highly energetic boy scouts jumping around on stage and blowing in their harmonicas. Over the course of 60 minutes, the actors jump from dialogues to storytelling to short monologues, sharing teenage boy scout-themed moments and stories that smartly reflect on the atmosphere in 60s America under Lyndon B Johnson’s presidency and soldiers’ war experiences.
The show does subtle but clear and well-written commentary on the idolization of influential figures, paralleling LBJ to God, religious relief and guilt, ‘good guys’ versus ‘bad guys,’ military propaganda, and how all these are consumed through the eyes of the innocent teenage mind. There is a nearly perfectly calculated balance of the ambiguity between Boy Scouts and soldiers and between bits jam-packed with energy or comedy and more grounded moments of seriousness, breath, and emotion. The flow is top-notch, fast-paced, quick
back-and-forth, but easy to follow and comprehend. Some clever dialogue and humor make this show an effortless and enjoyable watch; the energy and focus never drop. And as much as you think the profound moments emotionally prepare you, the ending still manages to hit you like a truck.
The use of props is absolutely genius. Jumping on and off that tire and rolling it around on stage looked so easy and effortless, even though it must demand incredible control. And yes – the harmonica playing is all live and absolutely brilliant. However, the true spirit of the show lies in the peak performances by both Rice and Roland. Their comedic timing and physical comedy are wonderful, and still, they manage to switch it off within seconds when needed and deliver beautiful and impactful emotion as well. There is equal focus on both characters and great dynamics, and the actors’ natural charisma makes them entertaining from the very first moment of the show. Yet the highlight above all is the simply phenomenal synchronization between the two. The choreography and blocking are fantastic and well thought-out within itself, but it’s also obviously so well rehearsed. There wasn’t a single slip, and the chemistry and connection was real and exciting to witness. I enjoyed every part of the show, but that’s what left me most impressed.
All and all, ‘A Letter To Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First’ is an entertaining and dynamic hour of pure talent and dedication, and the Beatles soundtrack is just the cherry on top—a well-made production, an impactful conversation, and a gifted duo that I undoubtedly recommend.
Written by Xloe Rice & Natasha Roland
Directed by Xloe Rice & Natasha Roland
Starring/Cast: Xloe Rice & Natasha Roland
