Theater Review: 'The Happiest Man on Earth' at Playhouse on Park

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Playhouse on Park is opening its season this year with a one man play entitled “The Happiest Man on Earth.” The piece that was penned by Mark St. Germain is based upon the memoir of the same name by Eddie Jaku. The brand new co-artistic director of the Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. Dr. Sasha Brätt lovingly directed the first show of the new season. The director is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union, and (thankfully) remains the Professor of Theater and Theater Program Coordinator at CT State Naugatuck Valley in Waterbury.

Edward Jaku, who was born Abraham Salomon Jakubowicz in 1920, was a German-born Jewish engineer who managed to survive several German concentration camps during World War II. He wrote of his harrowing wartime experiences in his memoir which was published when he was 100 years old. Jaku died in Sydney in October 2021 at the age of 101.

Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country until November 1938, when he was taken to a concentration camp. Over the next seven years, he faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, and his country.

Because he somehow managed to survive, Jaku made the vow to smile every day. He intentionally pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life. Until the time of his death, he believed he was the “happiest man on earth.”

His memoir has been described as “a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.” Dr. Brätt calls the play a story about family, friends and love.

Equity actor Robert Resnikoff tackles the role of Eddie Jaku, onstage for the entire 80-minute run time with no intermission. The actor appeared as Jack in “Brighton Beach Memoirs” at Playhouse on Park.

Not only must Resnikoff memorize the entire script and bring the story of Jaku’s life to the stage, but he also sometimes plays other characters that Jaku encounters throughout his life. The actor performs everything that this well-written script requires masterfully under the skillful direction of Dr. Brätt. From the bits of gentle comedy that lighten this heavy piece to the heart wrenching memories of the Holocaust, Resnikoff never falters.

From the moment he enters, asking (using a perfect accent) if everyone has a printed program and introducing himself as “Eddie,” the actor draws in every member of the audience, whom he immediately embraces as new friends. “Everyone is family” was a guiding principle for Jaku.

Rebecca Donaghy works as production stage manager and Katarina Paul is the show’s technical director. Costume Designer Lisa Steier did not really have a lot to do, but the actor looks the part of the aging Jewish gentleman who has managed to survive his difficult life. Chris Ostrom’s scenic design evokes the entrance area of a temple that easily changes into the locations in the script. Ostrom also designed the sometimes-haunting lighting that works beautifully with his set. Sound Designer Xi (Zoey) Lin works her magic with the sound design that punctuates the story. Lin won the 2026 Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Design for her work with Yale Rep on “Rhinoceros.”

CT Voices of Hope, promoting a culture of courage to stand up against hatred through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance, has partnered with Playhouse on Park to bring Eddie Jaku’s story and wisdom to the community.

I am embarrassed to admit that I was unaware of both the memoir and this play before I attended the opening night performance. I was impressed with how well the playwright tells Jaku’s often heart wrenching yet ultimately uplifting story of the Holocaust and its aftermath. Offering performances of this play is an important way to remind the world of an horrific time in our history and I highly recommend attending an upcoming performance.

“The Happiest Man on Earth” runs at Playhouse on Park through October 18.

THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH

by Mark St. Germain

with Robert Resnikoff as Eddie Jaku

Directed by Sasha Bratt

Set Design: Christopher Ostrom

Lighting Design: Christopher Ostrom

Sound Design: Zoey Lin

Costume Design: Lisa Kaplan Steier

Stage Manager: Rebecca Donaghy

Assistant Stage Manager: Allen Sager

Production Photography: Meredith Longo