Photo Flash: 'A Date for 8' with Feldshuh at The Theatre Museum

Tovah's and Stewart's dinner companions included  Tonya Award Winner, Bonnie Comley, TTM Advisory Committee member; James and Renee Heinze (Jim is TTM's Board of Trustees Treasurer); Beth Rogers; and Jennifer Tworzyanski, an intern with TTM. While enjoying the wonderful food and service at Sardi's, the conversation turned to such topics as how to produce a show on Broadway and the iconic status of Times Square.  

After dessert, the party moved to the performance and was seated in the second row to take in the show.  Irena's Vow tells the story of a brave woman in Poland who, against powerful odds, rescued innocent people  during WWII. The play was at once powerful, heartfelt, touching, and infuriating as the audience shared in the the desire  to shelter and help the characters in peril find their way in the dark and terrible world of the play.  The expert direction of Michael Parva, artful dialogue of Dan Gordon, and skillful performances of all ten actors brought the world of Irena's Vow to life.  Feldshuh's performance as Irena Opdyke, a young Polish housekeeper in Nazi Occupied Poland, was lovely in its emotional intricacies and nuances, with the rest of the cast displaying equal versatility in their portrayals of the Jews and Germans by whom Irena was surrounded. The evening was especially exciting since the "Date for 8" party found themselves  in the company of  fellow audience members that included Janica Opdyke Smith, the daughter of Irena; Roman Haller, who was born under the care of Irena while his parents were in hiding; as well as Polish Dignitaries.  Ms. Opdyke Smith took several questions from the audience after the show regarding her mother and her mother's tenacity and bravery under the extreme circumstances.   "Date for 8" Theatre Parties are intended to introduce donors who generously support the mission of  The Theatre Museum to a  personalized and special theatre experience.   Founded in 2003, The Theatre Museum is New York State's first and only chartered, non-profit museum dedicated to the history of theatre. Currently it is a museum-at-large -- presenting exhibitions in collaboration with other cultural institutions as we continue the search for a permanent gallery. The Museum's programs include community outreach, such as teaching children how to write, direct and stage live theatre, and the annual Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence Ceremony. 

Its primary mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate the legacy of theatre through innovative programming. For more information, please contact:  http://www.thetheatremuseum.org

Photos Courtesy of The Theatre Museum