IRENA'S VOW - One of the Best Theatrical Experiences of My Life

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:03am

Spoilers

Honestly, once the show was over, I was speechless. I don't even know what to say about IRENA'S VOW, except that it was one of the best theatrical experiences of my life. Before tonight, DOUBT was number one on my list...and now I have two "number ones."

IRENA'S VOW is the story of Irena Gut Opdyke and how she hides 12 jewish people in the cellar of a Nazi general. She knows it could get her killed but she does everything she possibly can to keep them alive. There are many many obstacles that stand in her way, but she triumphs over all of them.

At one point in the play, one of the jewish women hiding gets pregnant and there is a huge debate whether or not to abort the baby so the general won't hear it cry after it is born. Irena, being a Catholic, is torn with the decision as well, but they ultimately choose life over having the abortion, which certainly made things more difficult, but through sheer will and determination, it worked out (and that son is still alive today...yes, this is a true story).

Irena, at one point, also has to whore herself out to the General in order for the 12 jewish people not to be caught. It is truly amazing what this woman had to go through, and so wonderful that she survived.

Tovah Feldshuh is giving the performance of her career. I use the word "brilliant" in a lot of my reviews. Well, "brilliant" isn't a strong enough word to describe Tovah's portrayal of Irena. On that stage tonight, Tovah conveyed practically every single emotion possible and she had the audience in the palm of her hand the entire show. A tour-de-force performance that is not to be missed. She deserves across the board rave reviews from every single newspaper and she will most definitely win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play 2009.

This wasn't a play that I saw tonight. It was a theatrical journey. An out-of-body experience. I laughed, I gasped, I cried...after the show was over I was shaking and I am still trying to regain my thoughts (which is why this review is so haphazard).

I urge everyone to go see this show. It will challenge you and make you think about life and how you treat others. This is an experience not to be missed.

Also, after the show, there was a talkback, because the REAL DAUGHTER OF IRENA was in the audience and she answered questions about her mother, all of which were fascinating. I also got to meet Tovah after the show, and she couldn't have been nicer. She must be exhausted after each performance (and she is on stage the entire show). This is really not to be missed. Definitely one of the best shows I have ever seen on stage. Congrats to all involved. Wow.

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:09am

Thanks for posting your thoughts! The more I hear (slash read) about this play, the more I want to see it. So hopefully soon.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:09am

And that's why it transferred from the tiny theater at Baruch in a production that nobody heard about last fall.

If only OTHELLO would do the same.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:11am

Tovah is amazing, a real actress, I hope she gets the Tony, and the play its deserved Tony and Pullitzer.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:11am

Wow. What a great review, WAT. Thanks for sharing that. I can't wait to see it!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:13am

My body is still shaking and I'm still in tears.

Afterwards, while I was waiting at the stage door, I was talking to this woman on the street about how incredible the performance was and we both started crying all over again. This is what Broadway is all about. Buy your tickets immediately.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:13am

Random question...any gunshots in the show?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:15am

Yes, a few, but nothing too loud that made me jump out of my seat.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:17am

Another question: do you think the rush seats (first row Orch) would be good seats? Too close? Or did the stage look too high or anything like that?

I'm debating on rushing either this or BLITHE SPIRIT on Thursday.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:18am

Just being in the theater is good for this show....this should be everyone's top priority.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:25am

WOW WOW WOW!! My mind is boggled trying to process what I saw tonight at the Walter Kerr. Nothing can be said about what Tovah Feldshuh is doing on that stage. Things like "tour-de-force" don't even begin to do the woman justice. I cried three times during the show and like WAT, had a mind-altering experience.

I was standing with WAT after the show and these two older women walked up to us and started talking about how wonderful the show was. The one woman then started to cry (at least 30 minutes after the show was over!). We all realized that everyone in the audience now shares a special bond after experiencing this production tonight, and as much as we try, we will never be able to express in words what it was like to be in that theater.

The play was emotional without being cheesy. It delivered a clear message without being preachy. It was simply so well-written.

****spoiler****

Near the end Tovah had a monologue addressing the audience saying that some people deny the holocaust happened. "Well it happened. It happened." I had tries rolling down my cheeks and was starting to tremble. The woman needs the Tony now (and I didn't think anyone was going to wrestle it away from Kristin Scott Thomas).

****end spoiler****

Like WAT mentioned the daughter of the real Irena was there, and she teared up several times during the Q & A. The most touching story she related was as follows:

****HUGE SPOILER****

The German major that Irena lives with (and hides the Jews in his basement) in real life was disowned by his family and village in Germany after the war for being a Jew lover. Two of the Jews that hid in his house took pity on him and welcomed him into their home. They raised their son that was born in hiding to call him Grandfather. (I'm crying again as I type this now!) The love and forgiveness involved in this story are truly touching.

****end spoiler****

I can not stress enough: Please see this show. I will never forget tonight.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 1:38am

How were the technical elements?

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 2:12am

I thought the technical aspects were great. The set is a basic unit set, and projections are used against the back wall. Des should come to this production for a lesson on how to effectively utilize projections in a show.

The lighting was great, and very necessary, because whenever Irena breaks the forth wall the lighting would change to indicate the change.

The costumes are simple and the set dressings are scarce. It's really just about the acting. The play could probably be performed without any set at all.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 3:00am

I have a huge admiration for Tovah Feldshuh. Her work in "Golda's Balcony" a couple of years ago was incredible.A superb performer. I only hope I get to see this later in the year.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 7:31am

This truly is the season of straight plays on Broadway.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 8:29am

How long was it?

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 8:35am

I'm so thrilled to read these reviews. I love Tovah Feldshuh in everything, but her performance in Golda's Balcony is one that I'll never forget, and the experience of seeing her live is something I'll always treasure. I'm going to really have to make an effort to catch this.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 9:37am

It was pretty much 90 minutes, but with the talk back and everything else it's hard to say since I didn't turn my cell back on until I left the theater.

After having a night to sleep on this my enthusiasm has only grown. The respect I have for Tovah is beyond anything I can express. If everything on Broadway could only be on this level of greatness. I actually feel bad for the next show I see (Reasons to be Pretty), because anything will surely pale in comparison.

[MiracleElixir]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 10:29am

I mean, I want to see it and everything, but Wow, someone sure took their hyperbole pills yesterday.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:17pm

WAT, what a stupendous review. I skipped the spoilers because I am seeing this play next month. I am so glad I bought tickets way in advance. Can't wait to see the wonderful actress Tovah Feldshuh.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:19pm

Tovah is a revelation. I am still thinking about this show. What a night out at the theater. Perfection!

[pattilupuppy]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:29pm

WOW WOW WOW ... i was supposed to do this show but turned it down... now im kind of shooting myself in the foot over it... but im glad its doing so well

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 12:34pm

Well, you sold me. I'm getting tickets.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 1:10pm

you turned down a broadway gig? why?? this show is so amazing...i feel so lucky to have been in the audience last night.

PJ: so glad you're seeing it. you won't regret it.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/11/09 at 1:23pm

PalJoey: Go and enjoy. I hope you are as moved by this show as I was.

I really think they need to cut the preview period short so the rave reviews can start pouring in. Plus the marketing team needs to start advertising now. If this shows flops simply because no one has heard of it, it will be a crime.