What Opa Did is an intriguing play, based on a true event during the Holocaust. And I mean that in more ways than one. The story of a young family trying to fly under the radar in Germany as World War II gets underway, then moves back and forth in time to the present in order to examine the sacrifices made by Opa (a term of endearment for “Grandfather,” played by Allan Wasserman) in order to protect his young wife and their child. As he is still living in Germany, Kate, his granddaughter (Meghan Lewis), is dispatched by the Simon Weisenthal Center to investigate whether or not he had ever collaborated with the Nazis.
In scenes as a young man, Opa is played by Jeremy Schaye, while his wife, Elizabeth, is played by Lilli Passero. Into the mix, we find Unterscharfuhrer Karl Braun (Victor Montez), the source of reasons for suspicion. To say any more about this intriguing story would defeat the purpose of the excellent play written by Christopher Franciosa about his grandparents. As always, David Hunt Stafford, Theatre 40s Artistic Director, has assembled a clutch of artists to facilitate the play, from the veteran director, James Paradise, to costumer Michael Mullen’s period-authentic costuming, with help from lighting by Derrick McDaniel and sound created by Nick Foran. My one quibble, as always, is with the standing set. There’s just not that much that can be done to differentiate the settings on the sprawling permanent stage, although Jeff Rack makes valiant inroads for every show.
Ultimately, we learn the enormity of Opa’s sacrifice to save his family. It is not only selfless, but must have been emotionally painful as well. Suffice it to say, Franciosa’s tribute will stay with you long after you’ve seen the play..
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What Opa Did, co-produced with the Holocaust Museum, Los Angeles, continues Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm, through February 15th at their Beverly Hills High School location; the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills 90212., 2025. For reservations, or subscription information, phone (310) 364-0535 or online at https://www.eventbrite.co/e/what-opa-did-a-world-premiere-at-theatre-40-tickets-1978445552907.
