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The dialog and letters used in the play bring a thread of hope; a singular stream of light into a time and a discussion that I have not seen in other productions or programs with its subject matter. It makes you realize that the numbers associated with these events didn't all occur at one time - one mass inescapable catastrophe, but happened one person at a time, one family at a time, one life at a time. I will also say that, in my 20 years of producing special and educational events, this is one of only a handful of programs that attendees have sought me out afterward, even weeks afterward and thanked me for bringing the program in. I believe it was Socrates who once said "I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world." Through this play, and my contact with you and your family, I now know exactly what he meant and feel the loss of Gerda, Heinz and Denny in a truly personal sense.
Barnes Bradshaw; Programs Coordinator, Missouri History Museum, St.Louis, Missouri
When I first read Stefan's letters I wondered how I could ever be worthy of bringing these eloquent words to life. As an actor we are rarely given the privilege of bringing something so authentic and powerful to life again. My only hope was that as a father myself I could imagine how I would feel if one of my daughters were separated from me under similar circumstances.
Gary Cox, Actor. St. Louis, Missouri
What I most liked about the play was its authenticity. It was so easy to identify with the people, their warmth, their fears, their frustrations. The play conveys, like no other literature that I've read, the shock of Germany's betrayal to loyal citizens. As an actor in the play, I felt that shock. It certainly deepened my understanding and I have no doubt the audience is similarly affected. Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Suzanne Greenwald, Actress, St. Louis, Missouri
I, first of all, want to say what a true honor it was for me to be a part of this production. I have never missed being a part of something so much as I did this show when it had concluded. As an actor, you cherish the roles that are able to deeply affect both you and the audience. This experience was so much more than that--getting the chance to portray real people with such an important story has been a gift. I feel it is the most important thing I have ever done as an actor. The feedback I received after the shows was amazing--I have never had so many people thank me for performing before. That proves how poignant and touching this story is.
I think the heart of this piece is hope. Gerda, especially, never gives up hoping that they will all be reunited. You can feel the family's love for one another, across the countries, in the letters they wrote back and forth. In this age of technology with the Internet, e-mail, etc, I think we have lost sight of how powerful a hand-written letter can be. Since it was their only form of communication, it became the force that kept them going, that kept their hope alive. Anyone who cares about history--both factual and the human experience--should see this production. The work that Susan has done to share her family's story is truly admirable.
Katie Puglisi, Actress, St. Louis, Missouri
The piece went wonderfully and my feedback from the actors was that it was all very moving and a truly
satisfying experience, both artistically and emotionally. The story you let us witness is deep and personal
and very important.
Roberta Gasbarre, Director, Discovery Theatre, Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C.
I feel great respect for the very effective way you constructed the script. Congratulations! All the family letters were so personal and eloquent. You've created a very important piece which should be seen by as many 21st century humans as possible.
Debbie Waldman, Actress, Providence, Rhode Island
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