Is Irena's Vow Headed for Broadway?

By Andrew Gans
03 Nov 2008

Promotional art for Irena's Vow.
Promotional art for Irena's Vow.
Photo by Tim Knox

Irena's Vow, which is currently playing an extended engagement at the Baruch Performing Arts Center through Nov. 25, has its eyes on Broadway.

According to Crain's New York, producer Stan Raiff — who helped mount the show's Off-Broadway engagement — is currently in the process of raising $2.5 million for a possible Broadway run that would open in March 2009. Among the producers who have checked out the production, which stars four-time Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh, are Barry and Fran Weissler and Elizabeth McCann.

There has been no official announcement about a Broadway transfer.

Joining Feldshuh onstage are Sandi Carroll, Tracee Chimo, Steven Hauck, Scott Klavan, Peter Reznikoff, Thomas Ryan, Gene Silvers, John Stanisci and Maja Wampuszyc. Michael Parva directs.

The new play, according to press notes, is "the riveting, life affirming story about one of the most courageous and unsung heroines of World War II. During the German occupation of Poland, Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic, was forced to work as head housekeeper for a very prominent German major. Over a two year period of service, Irena would risk her own life in order to protect the lives of twelve Jewish refugees whom she secretly took under her care. Irena's Vow is the extraordinary true 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).

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.

Tickets are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or by visiting the Baruch Performing Arts Center box office, located at 55 Lexington Avenue at 25th Street.