Neighbor News
TPNC Presents Irena's Vow by Dan Gordon
Town Players of New Canaan Present Irena's Vow, a True-Life Tale of Courage During the Holocaust
Irena’s Vow by Dan Gordon is the inspiring, life-affirming story of one of the most courageous and unsung heroines of World War II, Irena Gut Opdyke.
At age 19, Irena, a Polish Catholic, was forced to work as housekeeper for a prominent German major. Undaunted by her situation, for more than two years, she hid and cared for Jewish refugees in the home of her employer. This extraordinary story of one woman’s choice and the 12 lives that she saves opens at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park on July 24 and runs for three weekends.
Directing the production is Richard Mancini. “I learned about Irena’s Vow when it was first on Broadway, and right from the beginning was impressed with how good a story it was,” said Mancini. “I’ve always been drawn to stories about the Holocaust, and why we must never forget what happened.”
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Taking on the role of Irena is Norwalk resident Linda Gilmore. “I am honored to have the opportunity to portray such an inspiring and courageous woman,” says Gilmore. “No one should ever forget the atrocities the Nazis carried out and this play stresses how important it is to have the strength to stand up and stop it from happening again.”
Rounding out the cast are Steve Benko, Cindy Hartog, Deanna Hartog, Mike L’Altrella, Joe Maker, Sue O’Hara, Tom Petrone, and David Victor.
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Performances take place at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from July 24 to August 8, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays July 26 and August 2. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors and students. For more information and tickets, please visit www.tpnc.org, or call the TPNC Box Office at 203-966-7371.
Photos by Tom Hughey:
1) Full Cast; Front Row (L to R): Sue O’Hara, Cindy Hartog, Deanna Hartog, Linda Gilmore; Back Row (L to R) Mike L’Altrella, Tom Petrone, Joe Maker, Steve Benko, David Victor
2) Linda Gilmore as heroine Irena Gut Opdyke.
3) Irena Gut Opdyke (Linda Gilmore) celebrates Hannukah with 3 of the Jews she was hiding (Cindy Hartog and Joe Maker as Ida and Lazar Hallar and Denna Hartog as Fanka Silberman).
