In 1939, 12-year-old Jack Mandelbaum’s life was forever changed when Nazis invaded his Polish home and sent his family to the death camps.
Six million Jews would die at the hands of Hitler, but Mandelbaum survived the horrors of the concentration camps. Mandelbaum created a new life for himself with a family of his own.
He became a successful businessman and co-founded the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, an organization that teaches the history of the Holocaust, applying its lessons to counter indifference, intolerance and genocide.
Mandelbaum’s amazing story comes to life in a world premiere production of “Surviving Hitler” that will be presented in a limited engagement by The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The J April 9-14 (the April 10, matinee is sold out).
“Surviving Hitler'' is a stage adaptation of the award-winning book of the same name by acclaimed author Andrea Warren. This new work was commissioned by The White Theatre at The J, and the production is being underwritten by The Midwest Center for Holocaust for Education, as well as several private donors.
The play has been adapted for the stage by Warren with the help of Kansas City veteran director and producer Tim Bair, who also directs this production. “Surviving Hitler'' is a tale of ingenuity and courage in the face of adversity and evil. It follows Mandelbaum’s journey from an idyllic childhood in the port city of Gdynia, Poland, with his parents and two siblings, through his ultimate survival of eight different concentration camps.
“Bringing this story to the stage was originally my wife Anne’s idea, and the concept has been percolating for many years,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, Director of Arts + Culture for The J. “Given the rise in hate crimes and antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world, it seems especially important today to find new and innovative ways to share important stories like Jack’s.”
Director Tim Bair has been working with a dedicated troupe of local performers to bring “Surviving Hitler” to life.
“This has been an amazing experience for me. Not only have I had the good fortune of working with Andrea, but I’ve been given the opportunity to help tell the extraordinary story of an incredible man. ‘Surviving Hitler’ is a memory play,” he said. “I think the audience will be moved by the main character of Jack (based on the real Jack Mandelbaum) telling the story as they watch the story being woven together by a group of very talented actors. So, much of the story of Jack as a young boy — and then in his teen years — is both tender and heart-wrenching. I think we all feel a great responsibility in how we tell Jack’s story.”
“Surviving Hitler” represents the first effort in what Wiedenkeller plans to be a new tradition of The White Theatre at The J, producing new and original works of special significance.
“We’re hoping that, with all the potential stories and talent out there, and with the support of organizations like The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, we can make this new work initiative an annual endeavor here at The J,” Wiedenkeller said.
Each performance of “Surviving Hitler” will be followed by a conversation with the show’s creators and some of the performers.
Tickets are now available for this show and all productions either online at TheWhiteTheatre.org or by calling the box office at (913) 327-8054.
As part of The White Theatre’s COVID-19 vaccination policy for the 2021-2022 season, all guests must wear masks, and either be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
