What drew the Wiesel Foundation to this? 

The Elie Wiesel Social Action Fellowship’s (a partnership between the Elie Wiesel Foundation and Valley Beit Midrash) involvement in “The Secrets We Keep” is deeply rooted in its mission to empower young Jewish change-makers and catalyze meaningful action in our communities. Through the Elie Wiesel Social Action Fellowship, I was provided with a transformative platform to amplify the voices of those committed to social justice and Holocaust education.

Her work, presently, is The Secrets We Keep a new musical exploring LGBTQ+ narratives during the Holocaust. Off-Broadway’s Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre, a 145-seat theatre around the corner from Lincoln Center has come to the rescue for this riveting new musical. This daring new musical — due to fears of protests — needed to change venues quickly. When all seemed lost, the MSD Little Theatre stepped in.
“The Secrets We Keep,” will perform as scheduled, May 23 —26 but at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater10 West 64th Street, New York City. TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

“The Secrets We Keep” resonates with the core values of these organizations by harnessing the power of storytelling to confront prejudice, combat anti-Semitism, and honor the legacy of Holocaust survivors. My musical serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history and advocating for a more just and compassionate world.

By supporting projects like “The Secrets We Keep,” these organizations continues to uphold the spirit of Elie Wiesel’s legacy and inspire a new generation of leaders to confront the challenges of our time with courage and compassion. I am deeply grateful for their partnership and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in our communities.

Who is your audience? 

For “The Secrets We Keep,” our audience encompasses a diverse range of individuals who are passionate about engaging with thought-provoking stories that resonate on a deeply human level. While the themes of the Holocaust and combating anti-Semitism form the core of our narrative, our production appeals to a broad spectrum of theatergoers seeking immersive experiences that provoke reflection, empathy, and meaningful dialogue. We welcome audiences of all backgrounds, ages, and perspectives to join us on this journey of discovery and remembrance, as we explore the enduring power of resilience, hope, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

What do you hope the audience talks away from this? 

Our hope for the audience after experiencing “The Secrets We Keep” is profound introspection and meaningful dialogue. We want them to walk away not only entertained but deeply moved and inspired to reflect on the human capacity for resilience, empathy, and understanding. This isn’t just a show; it’s an invitation to engage with history, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to recognize the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster compassion. We hope our audience leaves with a renewed sense of empathy, a deeper understanding of the past, and a commitment to shaping a more compassionate future.

What’s next? 

Certainly! Beyond our upcoming performances in NYC, I’m exploring various avenues to expand the reach and impact of “The Secrets We Keep”. One exciting prospect is a documentary about the mounting of this production which is being filmed by Jared Smith, which could bring the story to an even broader audience. Additionally, we’ve recorded a cast album and plan to film performances this weekend in order to share a filmed version of the musical, to help expand its reach and effect.

On a personal level, I’m deeply committed to continuing my work in using theater as a platform for Holocaust education. In addition to “The Secrets We Keep”, I’m collaborating on new creative projects, including another musical with one of the talented composers from our current production, Shannon Wolf. As part of my ongoing academic pursuits, I’m honored to have received a Fulbright Award to conduct research in Israel, further deepening my understanding of Holocaust history and its contemporary relevance.