Directed by Michael Parva, Dan Gordon's play began previews at the Kerr March 10.
The entire Off-Broadway company — including Sandi Carroll, Tracee Chimo, Steven Hauck, Scott Klavan, Peter Reznikoff, Thomas Ryan, Gene Silvers, John Stanisci and Maja Wampuszyc — now reprise their work for Broadway audiences.
Irena's Vow, according to the producers, "is the uplifting true story about one of the most courageous and unsung heroines of World War II. During the German occupation of Poland, Irena Gut Opdyke (Feldshuh), a Polish Catholic, was forced to work as head housekeeper for a very prominent Nazi major. Over a two year period of service, Irena would risk her own life in order to save the lives of twelve Jewish refugees whom she secretly took under her care. Irena's Vow is the extraordinary story of one woman's choice and the twelve lives that would ultimately be saved — or lost — by her decision."
The design team comprises Kevin Judge (scenic design), David Castaneda (lighting design), Astrid Brucker (costume design), Quentin Chiappetta (sound design/composer) and Alex Koch (projection design).
Irena's Vow is produced on Broadway by Stan Raiff, Daryl Roth, Debra Black, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allan Kramer and Peter Fine. Tovah Feldshuh received Tony Award nominations for her work in Golda's Balcony, Yentl, Sarava and Lend Me a Tenor. Her theatre roles have also garnered the actress four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, an Obie and a Theatre World Award.
Playwright Gordon is also penning the screen adaptation of Irena's Vow, according to a recent New York Times article. Filming for the independently produced movie, which will be directed by the playwright, is expected to begin in the fall. Unlike the play, which features only one actress in the title role (Tovah Feldshuh as Irena Gut Opdyke), the film will have two Irenas: a younger version for the film's war-time scenes and an older actress, similar to Feldshuh's stage character. No casting has been announced.
Tickets, priced $41-$98, are available by visiting Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200. The Walter Kerr Theatre is located in Manhattan at 219 West 48th Street.
For more information visit www.irenasvow.com.
