ACT to perform true drama ‘Irena’s Vow’

Published 6:52 pm Monday, January 20, 2020

Albert Lea Community Theatre continues its 55th season with the drama “Irena’s Vow” at Feb. 13 through Feb. 22 at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, according to a press release.

The play follows the true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy. Irena is a 19-year-old housekeeper in the home of a Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated.

Determined to help 12 Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant’s house. Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation — concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme and the birth of a child, the release stated.

Email newsletter signup

Cast members are Patty Parsons, Jason Howland, Luke Zacharias, Michael Lilienthal, Jennifer Gonsalves, Risha Lilienthal, Dan Montenegro, Kris Bartley, Aaron McVicker and Logan Petersen.

“Irena’s Vow,” directed by Glen Parsons, will be performed Feb. 13-16, 19-22. Shows start at 7:30 p.m., with the Feb. 16 matinee at 2 p.m. Some scenes in the play may not be suitable for young children.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased over the phone by calling 1-877-730-3144, online at actonbroadway.com or at the box office, which opens weekdays at 9 a.m. Tickets are also available at the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Albert Lea Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization featuring local actors, directors and stage crew who volunteer their time. All performances are at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 N. Broadway in downtown Albert Lea. For ticket prices and more information, go to actonbroadway.com or find ACT on Broadway on Facebook.