My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

HANS LITTEN: THE JEW WHO CROSS-EXAMINED HITLER​ to Have World Premiere at Theatre Row

The play moves from the charged atmosphere of Berlin courtrooms to the brutal reality of Nazi concentration camps.

By:
Powered by Ticketmaster
Get Show Info Info
Get Tickets
Cast
Photos
Videos
HANS LITTEN: THE JEW WHO CROSS-EXAMINED HITLER​ to Have World Premiere at Theatre Row

Philosophy Productions will present the world premiere of Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler, a new play by Douglas Lackey, directed by Alexander Harrington.  It will begin on January 30 for a four-week limited run that will open on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Theatre Row 5.

Based on a remarkable true story, Hans Litten centers on the brilliant young Jewish lawyer who, in 1931, did the seemingly impossible: he called Adolf Hitler to the witness stand and publicly exposed the future dictator’s embrace of political violence, two years before Hitler rose to power. It remains one of the most audacious legal confrontations of the 20th century.

The play moves from the charged atmosphere of Berlin courtrooms to the brutal reality of Nazi concentration camps, tracing Litten’s unwavering commitment to justice, reason, and human dignity. Refusing to remain silent in the face of rising authoritarianism, Litten risks and ultimately sacrifices his life for the rule of law.

At once intellectually thrilling and emotionally devastating, Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler is a powerful reminder of how fragile democracy can be, and how profound the impact of individual moral courage remains. As questions of justice, truth, and authoritarianism reverberate across the modern world, Litten’s story feels not only urgent but essential.

Creative team includes Alex Roe (Scenic Designer), Anthony Paul-Cavaretta (Costume Designer), and Alexander Bartenieff (Lighting Designer). Cast TBA.


Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Lead Performer in a Musical - Top 3
1. LJ Benet - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
25.4% of votes
2. Joshua Henry - Ragtime
13.9% of votes
3. Sam Tutty - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
11.9% of votes

Don't Miss a Off-Broadway News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...

Local Shows
Spirit of the Game: The Ultimate Musical in Off-Broadway Spirit of the Game: The Ultimate Musical
Asylum NYC (5/14-5/17)
MENAFEE | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University in Off-Broadway MENAFEE | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University
Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/25-7/25)
bala.fruta./bullet.fruit | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist in Off-Broadway bala.fruta./bullet.fruit | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist
Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/11-7/11)
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at Bardavon in Off-Broadway WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at Bardavon
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (7/31-7/31)
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at the Bardavon in Off-Broadway WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at the Bardavon
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (8/01-8/02)
Hadid in Off-Broadway Hadid
59E59 Theatres (7/10-7/21)
LA CASA DE BERNARDA ALBA in Off-Broadway LA CASA DE BERNARDA ALBA
Repertorio (11/15-12/31)
THE DEATH CHRONICLES (portraits)|S&F Summer Season at Marist in Off-Broadway THE DEATH CHRONICLES (portraits)|S&F Summer Season at Marist
Marist University Symphonic Hall (8/01-8/01)
Once Upon A Mattress in Off-Broadway Once Upon A Mattress
Gremlin Theatre (5/14-5/24)
International Human Rights Art Festival in Off-Broadway International Human Rights Art Festival
30th Street theater (6/05-6/07)


Videos