‘Number the Stars’ at Troy’s Schacht offers moving look at difficult time

BY BARUCH RAINEY
“Number the Stars” — with book, music and lyrics written by Sean Hartley and based on Lois Lowry’s critically acclaimed novel — is the latest production at the Theatre Institute at Sage (TIS). The musical centers on the escape of the Danish Jewish population during World War II.

As the Nazis take control of Denmark, the family of Annemarie Johansen decides to shelter Ellen Rosen, Annemarie’s Jewish best friend. A Nazi officer forces his way into the Johansen apartment, demanding they tell him the whereabouts of the Rosen family. The Johansens convince the officer that Ellen is actually one of their daughters. It is after this that Annemarie realizes that Denmark’s Jewish citizens — including friends and neighbors — are in terrible danger, and that it is the duty of families such as Annemarie’s to help them.

Director Michael Musial fills several offstage roles in the production, including music director and accompanist. Musial’s artistic vision for the production is impressive, as each element of the production — from lights to set to the movement of the actors — meshes well with each of the other elements. This is no doubt also thanks to the talents of others on the production crew.

Jennifer Raineri’s costume design is beautiful and, perhaps even more importantly, historically accurate. Paul Sweet’s scenic design is breathtaking. The pieces of the set work well in depicting a fragmented and uneasy world. The set also works incredibly well with displaying Matthew McElligott’s resplendently designed projections. Jemma Kepner’s lighting and Vinny Pruchnick’s sound design also work well in setting the mood for the entire production.

The cast does a phenomenal job at conveying the fear and desperation that are pervasive throughout the show’s plot. Particularly noteworthy are Kyra Burris (Annemarie) and Danielle Stallone (Ellen Rosen). Burris adeptly portrays the innocence and concern of young Annemarie. Her moving rendition of the show’s titular song exquisitely shows Annemarie wrestling with the existence of God and the state of affairs in the world. She and Stallone do well in communicating the steadfast friendship their characters have, and their last moments onstage together are incredibly moving.

Also of note are performances by Steffanie Mammoser (Mama), Phil Bruns (Papa), Cameron Richardson (Uncle Henrik) and Michael Sinkora (Nazi Soldier). Mammoser’s and Bruns’ portrayal as protective and nurturing parents is touching, and their vulnerability in many of the show’s moments is well done. Richardson beautifully sings “When the Moon is Hidden from the Sea” with a hauntingly rich baritone voice. Sinkora’s Nazi Soldier is terrifying and he does not waver in his heartlessness. Harper Sylvestri (Kirsti), Katrina Beach (Mrs. Rosen), ZacZiperstein (Mr. Rosen), Michael Keck (Peter), John Diaz (Man) and Maddie Gaiser (Woman) also offer laudable performances.

Prior to the performance, TIS offered educational programming for members of a local school’s drama club. Students had the opportunity to learn about historical costuming, projections and scenic design/construction from the professionals who work in those different areas for the production.
The programming was incredibly engaging for the students, with many of them asking in-depth questions about the different areas. Such educational opportunities are offered regularly by TIS and provide wonderful insight for students about many aspects of theatrical production.

Overall, the production was successful in entertaining as well as in teaching through the use of a fictionalized account of a historical event. Moreover, the story provides important lessons that are still relevant in the present: that one should use one’s privilege to help others in need, and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

“Number the Stars” runs at the Schacht Fine Arts Center Theater at 65 1st St. in Troy through Sunday. For tickets and more information, visit theatre.sage.edu or call 518-244-2248.