BY: NATE COLTON | Theater Critic | PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Camping with Henry and Tom at Palm Beach Dramaworks is a must-see production. The show runs now through April 27 at Palm Beach Dramaworks’ Don and Ann Brown Theatre. Based on a 1921 Maryland camping trip with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and President Warren G. Harding, Camping with Henry and Tom explores the mental clash of three of the most influential figures of their time. The play was written by Mark St. Germain (Freud’ s Last Session, Becoming Dr. Ruth), and premiered Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 1995.
Upon entering the theatre, theatergoers are greeted by a 1920s-esque video, designed magnificently by Adam J. Thompson, projected onto a screen at the back of the stage. The black and white video is a collection of headlines and clips from the era, and is made to look and sound like a vintage film. When the lights dim and the show starts, a video is displayed on the screen that shows Edison, Ford, and Harding driving through the woods to their campground. This then transitions into the live portion of the show.
Tom Wahl as Harding, Rob Donohoe as Edison, and John Leonard as Ford each bring their own sets of talent and nuances to their roles. A South Florida theatre veteran and Carbonell Award winner, Wahl expertly captures all of the aspects of the 29th president of the United States. Whether he is reminiscing about his past or sharing his plans for the future, he manages to portray the character with the perfect mix of playfulness and leadership. As Edison, two-time Carbonell Award nominee Rob Donohoe is able to exhibit a wide range of emotions, from the standoffish and disinterested persona to sadness of a story of his childhood friend who had drowned at age seven. Within his first few minutes of stage time, it becomes clear to the audience that there is much more depth to the character than anyone could have ever imagined.
The same can be said for Palm Beach Dramaworks-regular John Leonard Thompson’s Henry Ford. Thompson masterfully displays all of the necessary complexities that give the audience a glimpse into the automaker’s brain. He is able to subtly position himself as the leader of the group while simultaneously exhibiting the intricacies of the character. John Campagnuolo as secret service agent Colonel Edmund Starling commands the stage, and is able to kindly but sternly instruct the three men on what their next course of action is, whether they like it or not.
The technical and creative elements are nothing short of wonderful — each leaving their own indelible mark on the show. As Director, William Hayes keeps the audience engaged at all times, making sure that each character always has something to do. This direction would not work, though, had it not been for Scenic designer Bert Scott’s incredible set. The entire stage is covered in trees, shrubs, and leaves, which the characters are then able to use during the show to suit their needs—Edison often resorting to the shade of a tree, Ford setting up a phonograph on a flat rock, and Harding consistently trying to make conversation with both. Brian O’Keefe’s costumes aptly display the time period. Each of the actors’ suits has their own quirks and specialties that represent their characters. Kirk Bookman’s lighting and Roger Arnold’s sound design go hand in hand, working together to create the perfect natural atmosphere.
The rest of the creative team features Stage Manager Suzanne Clement Jones; Assistant Stage Manager Anna-Teressa Soto-Andujar; Wardrobe Supervisor, Wig Designer, and Hair Stylist Jane Lynch; Audio Engineer and Technical Assistant Keshin Martin; Stage Crew Lead Julia Howe; and Head Electrician Johanna Jackson. Camping with Henry and Tom first opened in 1995 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, and was the recipient of three Lucille Lortel Awards: Outstanding Play, Outstanding Scenic Design, and Outstanding Lighting Design. The production has one 15-minute intermission. Purchase tickets for the show here.
