Willy Falk, best known for creating the role of Chris in the hit musical, “Miss Saigon,” is going presidential in his next stage endeavor. He’ll portray Harry S. Truman in William Spatz’s “Truman vs. Israel: Abzug and the Undressing of Truman,” making its Off-Broadway world premiere at the Theater at St. Clements, with previews beginning Oct. 9 preceding the formal launch Oct. 16 in a limited run through Jan. 4, 2026.
“He (Truman) was impressive in his no-nonsense approach to leadership and decision-making,” said Falk, recalling what was said in history books. “‘The Buck Stops Here!’ was his famous slogan. The only president without a college education, Truman took over the presidency from FDR very soon after being sworn-in as VP and during WWII.“
Truman was the nation’s 33rd and 34th president, serving from 1945 to 1953. As vice president to Franklin D. Roosevelt, he assumed the presidency in 1945 after FDR’s death.
In the play, Falk is featured with Helen Laser as Bella Abzug, an American lawyer, politician, social activist, and a leader in the feminist movement. The cast also features Matt Caplan and Mark Lotito, with Randy White directing.
The work centers on the little-known political clash behind the creation of the Jewish state during the Truman administration.
“He was put in a position of great importance and had some very weighty decisions to make within weeks of becoming President,” said Falk. “What I did not remember, and this play delves into quite a bit, was his role in being ‘The Father of Modern Israel.’ During his second term, he was the first world leader to recognize The State of Israel and its eventual formation, in partnership with the United Nations.”
Falk is widely known for musical roles; he was Tony-nominated for “Miss Saigon,” but his theater credits include “Les Misérables,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Aida,” and “Marilyn.” Most recently, he appeared in “And Just Like That.”
A graduate of Punahou School, Falk was somewhat surprised to learn Truman played piano “quite well,” but “I did know that he worshipped his only child, Margaret, and was a big fan of her singing. Though critics were often not.”
Falk said he has been auditioning for singing and non-singing roles during this stage of my life. “By and large, more interesting roles are written for mature actors in plays and movies than in musicals,” he said. “Having said that, I am lucky enough to be concurrently workshopping a new musical that has a cantankerous older man as the lead, so who knows?
“But, right now, I am excited about ‘Truman vs. Israel’ because I find this piece to be challenging, topical, and well-written.”
As a singer in theater, Falk admits that it’s easier to learn lyrics than memorize extensive text and spoken lines in s dramatic play.
“Learning songs is easier for me,” said Falk. “It might be because there’s a tune to remember the words, and there are rhyme schemes that help you to remember what line comes next.
“What helps me to get the lines (and I have over 75 pages to learn right now) is to have a clear idea of why your character is saying what they say.”
Part of his drill to absorb text? “Listening is part of acting, what you are hearing spurs what you answer. Having that knowledge helps to bring the words to life and, with any luck, to mind. After that…it’s practice, practice, practice!”
Why did he seek this particular role/play?
“It is always a special gift to have a juicy role in front of a New York audience. Where it may lead is up to the ‘Theatre Gods!’”
Is the Broadway musical still a viable option, even if it’s a revival?
“Folks have been predicting the demise of the Broadway musical for many decades, and yet it survives,” said Falk. “Certainly, it goes through changes and phases, but there will always be something magical about hundreds of people, sitting peacefully, side by side in the dark, watching a live performance. I have had people come up to me decades after seeing one of my Broadway shows and tell me that they still feel strongly about the memories of that. It is something very special.”
Rehearsals for “Truman” started Sept. 15 and the first preview will be Oct. 9. “They didn’t tell me I had to be off-book, but there is just SO much that I could not start without most of it memorized. Just the other day, I got some revisions…so I am already un-learning as well as learning. All part of the process!”
He thanks his spouse for moral support, patience and understanding.
“My husband of 21 years, Andrew (Steiner) is always supportive of my career in every way,” said Falk. “A funny story: He already bought tickets, in the front row, for opening night of ‘Truman vs. Israel.’ I said ‘Front row!! Andrew, that could be distracting!’”
His answer: “No, it won’t bother me at all!!”
And that’s Show Biz…
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Tickets to “Truman vs. Israel” are available via OvationTix.