After rave reviews from NE Ohio audiences and growing support from around the globe, the cast of a local original theater production is now preparing to perform in New York City later this month. The Star on My Heart will make its NYC premiere at Manhattan Repertory Theatre in the heart of New York’s theater district.
Written and directed by Chardon playwright Angela Miloro-Hansen, the play is based on the life of Holocaust survivor Inge Auerbacher. Recently, Miloro-Hansen began entering the play in many competitions around the country. The response from Manhattan Repertory Theatre came almost immediately, choosing Miloro-Hansen’s script for a three show engagement April 28, 29, and 30.
Situated amidst many famed Broadway theaters, Manhattan Repertory Theatre specializes in presenting original works by up and coming playwrights.
Of working with Inge, Miloro-Hansen says: “Stories of survival and strength have always resonated deeply with me. When I first heard Inge’s story and listened to her speak, I knew I had to write her story. Despite all she’s been through, Inge is a warm, funny, and loving person and is so incredible to spend time with. Balancing her amazing and positive spirit while staying true to the horrors she experienced during the war was very important to me to incorporate into the play.”
The Star on My Heart chronicles early life experiences of Inge Auerbacher, who as a young child spent three years in the Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. One of only a few of the over 15,000 children in that camp to survive, Inge later spent years in a New York tuberculosis hospital, a disease she contracted while imprisoned in Theresienstadt.
Despite being deprived of freedom, health and education during much of her young life, Inge’s determination allowed her to graduate from high school and college. She earned a doctorate, became a chemist and later an author. Today she tours the world as a public speaker and Holocaust educator, telling her story of hope, healing, determination, and
tolerance.
“’The Star on My Heart’ is a dream come true,” says Inge Auerbacher. “I am so thankful to all involved. It is my dream for the world to someday exist peacefully together.”
Following a two year period of collaborating, researching, writing and revising, Miloro-Hansen was able to premiere the show last November to audiences in Chardon and Euclid. Audiences praised the show, and the social media buzz quickly spread across the world, garnering many requests for the show. Extensive travel was not feasible for the all-volunteer cast. However, theaters in Wadsworth and Green, Ohio gave the company a taste of regional show travel by sponsoring performances last month.
The next step – New York – is a much bigger one than expected. But when opportunity arises, Miloro-Hansen is up to the task. “Whether or not we ever say it out loud, it is every theater actor’s dream to perform in New York City.
Faced now with the opportunity to not only continue spreading Inge’s story of tolerance and survival, but to experience such an exciting opportunity is breathtaking. I’m so excited to be able to provide this amazing cast of children, teens, and adults with the chance to perform in NYC and to explore a fascinating city full of culture and opportunity.”
Angela Miloro-Hansen Productions is in process of raising money to provide for this non-paid cast of adults and children to make the trip and stay in NYC for several days. Interested parties can click here to contribute, or on the The Star on My Heart Facebook Page to find more information on the project.
This article is brought to you by Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
