ATW Digest - Feldshuh Opens in Irena's Vow on B'way - read the reviews
By Andy Propst on Mar 30, 2009 | In ATW Digest
AmericanTheaterWeb
Review - Irena's Vow
A Woman's Extraordinary Heroism
New York Times
In Grave Times, Exemplary Courage
A little-known story of heroism is transformed into theatrical hokum in Dan Gordon’s efficiently manipulative drama.
New York Daily News
'Irena's Vow' provides shelter from the Sturm
Re-reviewing a play brings a logical question: Did I get it right the first time? With "Irena's Vow," now open on Broadway after a run last fall at Baruch College, the answer's yes. Dan Gordon's play ...
New York Post
Promise isn't fulfilled
A play about a young Catholic Pole who risked everything to help a dozen Jews during WWII is slip pery ground for a critic -- espe cially when it's based on a real-life hero, Irena Gut Opdyke. Nobody wants to be the heartless Grinch who points out that a Holocaust drama is flawed. Oh well, here I go then . . .
Bergen Record
Brave maid, misguided Holocaust play
"Irena's Vow," which opened Sunday at the Walter Kerr Theatre, has a powerful, inspiring story to tell. It's a real shame that the telling is so pedestrian.
Associated Press
'Irena's Vow' Celebrates One Woman's Bravery
''Irena's Vow'' may be melodramatic and occasionally manipulative, but the emotions this stage biography stirs in theatergoers are genuine, a testament to the bravery and tenacity of the woman whose real-life story is being told.
Bloomberg.com
Kommandant's Villa Becomes Safe Haven for Jews in New Drama: John Simon
In “Irena’s Vow,” astounding human heroism and the amazing Tovah Feldshuh triumph in the blend of a powerful true story, suspenseful dramatization and humorous leavening. The result should prove a sure-fire crowd pleaser on Broadway.
Variety
Review: Irena's Vow
The conviction of Tovah Feldshuh's transformative performance drives "Irena's Vow," but it's the compelling true story of courage and heroism that makes Dan Gordon's by-the-numbers script so moving.
Hollywood Reporter
Theater Review: Irena's Vow
Bottom Line: Powerful true-life Holocaust tale plays like a combination of "Schindler's List" and "The Diary of Anne Frank."
Back Stage
Irena's Vow reviewed by David Sheward [critic's pick]
After a hit run Off-Broadway, Dan Gordon's simple and moving true-life drama Irena's Vow has opened at the Walter Kerr.
TheaterMania
Review: Irena's Vow
Tovah Feldshuh plays a gutsy Polish Catholic girl in Dan Gordon's powerful if predictable World War II drama.
Talkin' Broadway
Review: Irena's Vow
If there’s been any doubt as to the identity of Broadway’s greatest living star, there won’t be once word spreads about Irena’s Vow. Don’t misunderstand: This is not because Dan Gordon’s play is brilliant literature made transcendent by its headliner, but because the production of it that just opened at the Walter Kerr allows for nothing less than a full-on feting of its luminous leading lady, Tovah Feldshuh. . . .
Between Productions
A modesty proposal
I took in a preview performance of Irena's Vow (pictured) yesterday at the Walter Kerr. A hit Off Broadway, it should be equally well-received when it opens tonight, judging by the tumultuous curtain call.
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