Bradley Whitford Leads $2 Million Lincoln Center Revival of 'A Few Good Men'
The play, which features a large cast and complex set, closes on Jan. 10, 2027.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
Bradley Whitford headlines a new production of Aaron Sorkin's 1989 play, A Few Good Men, at Lincoln Center Theater. The revival is directed by Michael Arden, who previously staged Parade and The Lost Boys. The show runs through Jan. 10, 2027, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
The production features a large ensemble cast and an industrial set designed by Dane Laffrey. The set includes scaffolded platforms, a high observation tower, and oversized flags. These elements shift to represent barracks, offices, and a courtroom. The physical scale of the stage creates a visual contrast with the characters, who reviewers note can appear small within the space.
The story centers on two Marines, Harold Dawson and Louden Downey, who are charged with killing a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay. The play examines military discipline and the obligation to obey orders. It poses the question of who is accountable when a soldier follows an unlawful command.
Whitford plays Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, the commanding officer at the center of the conflict. He previously understudied the lead role of Daniel Kaffee in the original Broadway production. In this revival, he portrays a commander who believes his authority places him above standard rules. Other cast members include Blyth as Kaffee, Krysta Rodriguez as JoAnne Galloway, and Lavel Schley as Dawson.
Collin Kelly-Sordelet plays Louden Downey, while Blaemire portrays Weinberg. The production relies on flashbacks and frequent location changes between Washington, Guantanamo, and the courtroom. Critics note that these transitions can make the action feel episodic on stage, unlike the fluid movement in the 1992 film adaptation.
The film version starred Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. Nicholson's portrayal of Jessup is often cited as a benchmark for the role. Whitford is described as convincing in the part, though the climactic confrontation is viewed as less fresh in this staging. The play is considered an early work by Sorkin, predating his later, sharper writing.
The production maintains a focus on the legal and ethical dilemmas of military service. The timeline of the case moves from the initial incident to the trial, with the defense strategy shifting from a quick settlement to a full trial. The run continues at the Vivian Beaumont Theater through early next year.
