Sergeant York: The Play depicts the life and times of WWI hero and Tennessee resident, Alvin C. York. The audience plays the role of the folks who have gathered on the front porch steps of the York family home, wanting to listening, first-hand, to the WWI hero tell his stories of growing up in Pall Mall, becoming a Christian, his role in the battle of the Argonne Forest, the making of the film Sergeant York and the creation of the Alvin C. York Institute. The audience waits with anticipation for one of Gracie's home-cooked meals while being entertained by one of the most decorated soldiers of WWI.
What they're saying about SERGEANT YORK: THE PLAY...
"Playwright Lisa Soland has really captured the heart and soul of what my great grandfather, Alvin York, was all about. She's done extensive research, not only on Sgt. York, but interviews with the family, spending a lot of time in Pall Mall, getting to know the culture and the family and the story about the man behind the medals. This play captures Sgt. York's loyalty to God and country, and his service to the community. It's simply a wonderful play."
-- Deborah York, Executive Director of the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation and great granddaughter of Alvin York
"Lisa Soland's wonderful new play tells the story of WWI war hero Alvin York. The play is full of folksy humor and wisdom as Sgt. York recounts his life from his boyhood on a poor Tennessee farm to his hard-drinking days and eventually the rediscovery of his faith. Sergeant York: The Playis always entertaining, but is also a powerful statement on the nature of war and the power of faith."
-- Peter Colley, Playwright/Screenwriter/Librettist
"Sergeant York: The Playis incredibly historically accurate, and true to the essence of Sgt. York's story. Seeing this play is a great opportunity to learn more about a true American hero."
--Joshua Waggener, Sgt. Alvin C. York State Park Manager
"This one-man performance uniquely shares the faith story of an incredible, national hero, Alvin York. Lisa Soland has devoted her significant abilities to share the story of Alvin York's deep personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. The actor, Greg Helton, provides a simply amazing work of bringing to life the wisdom, humor and testimony of Alvin York."
-- Sam Polson, Lead Pastor of West Park Baptist Church
"Fantastic play!! Lisa Soland was able to capture the humor, spirit and devotion to God of my Grandfather. She spent many hours with our family that knew him, especially the surviving children. Thank you 'Team York' for this great play and for honoring him and keeping his story alive. A job well done!!!"
-- Colonel Gerald York, grandson of Alvin York
"Sergeant York: The Playis real good. A lot of that stuff the character of Alvin said in the play, I heard Daddy say all the time."
-- Andrew Jackson York, son of Alvin York
Industry Reviews
"This one-man performance uniquely shares the faith story of an incredible, national hero, Alvin York. Lisa Soland has devoted her significant abilities to share the story of Alvin York's deep personal faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. The actor, Greg Helton, provides a simply amazing work of bringing to life the wisdom, humor and testimony of Alvin York."
-- Sam Polson, Lead Pastor of West Park Baptist Church
"Fantastic play!! Lisa Soland was able to capture the humor, spirit and devotion to God of my Grandfather. She spent many hours with our family that knew him, especially the surviving children. Thank you 'Team York' for this great play and for honoring him and keeping his story alive. A job well done!!!"
-- Colonel Gerald York, grandson of Alvin York
"Sergeant York: The Playis real good. A lot of that stuff the character of Alvin said in the play, I heard Daddy say all the time."
-- Andrew Jackson York, son of Alvin York
"Lisa Soland has written a wonderful one-man play on the life of East Tennessee WWI hero, Alvin C. York. When I heard about the play I immediately hired her to bring the play to Lincoln Memorial University for our annual 2018 Mountain Heritage Writer's Festival. We had an excellent response and many attendees were moved to write and some to try their hand at playwriting. Sergeant York: The Playis exquisitely directed; it holds your interest throughout and leaves you inspired in so many ways. It is a multi-faceted entertainment experience, as multi-faceted at York himself, proving history to be engaging and relevant. From the moment the play begins, one is convinced Alvin York himself is standing before you, telling you his beloved stories about WWI, his relationship and travels with President Roosevelt, and his trials and tribulations with improving his Fentress County community upon returning from the first world war. I give this play my highest recommendation."
-- Darnell Arnoult, Writer-in-Residence, Lincoln Memorial University
"Having seen the world premiere of Sergeant York: The PlayI was struck by the compelling story and how well it was done. I knew it would be something excellent to inspire and entertain our homeless guests who spend the night at Knox Area Rescue Ministries ...every single person who attended the performance was deeply touched and inspired... The KARM audience, which can be fidgety at times, was completely engaged, offering a standing ovation. The play is meticulously written... I thoroughly recommend...Sergeant York: The Playfor any organization seeking an inspirational, wholesome tale of a true American Hero."
-- Burt Rosen, President and CEO of Knox Area Rescue Ministries, Knoxville
