(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Douglas Taurel brings his The American Soldier play to Cape May Stage for three performances from October 23-25, 2026. Inspired by real letters written by service members and their families, The American Soldier is a powerful solo performance that brings to life the voices of those who have served — from the nation's earliest days to the present.
This show strives to help us understand how and why it is so difficult for men and women in the armed services to re-enter our pedestrian life when they come home. It honors and exposes their flaws, their scars, their families and spirits with both humor and darkness.
Taurel powerfully brings home the impact of war on the people who live it day in and day out. He plays each character with passion, nuance and heart.
Performances take place Friday and Saturday night at 7:00pm and Sunday matinee at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 405 Lafayette Street in Cape May, New Jersey.
Age Guide: 13+ | Running Time: 85 Minutes, No Intermission. NOTE: This production includes emotional themes of war and sacrifice. Sounds of war are heard periodically throughout the show.
The American Soldier has been nominated for an Amnesty International Award for theatre excellence, received 4 stars at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, been featured in The Huffington Post, The Washington Post and Time Out to name a few and performed at The Kennedy Center during inauguration weekend at the Library of Congress on Veterans day of 2017. It has been touring across the country for the past two and half years, including New York, Texas, Connecticut, Virginia, Kansas, New Jersey and recently performed again Off Broadway.
Critics praise The American Soldier as a riveting and deeply moving tribute — an intimate solo performance that powerfully honors the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of those who have served.
Back in 2016, New Jersey Stage interviewed Taurel about the play. That interview is available here.
Cape May Stage produces exceptional professional Equity theater that inspires, entertains, and connects the community through the transformative power of live performance. They envision Cape May Stage as a destination where live theater thrives—where artistic excellence is celebrated, new and diverse voices are heard, and the shared experience of storytelling strengthens our community.
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
@ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
@ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
Union, NJ
Thursday, October 15, 2026
@ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ
Thursday, October 15, 2026
@ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ
