The Liberty High School Drama Club participated in history during their performance of "A Light in the Darkness" on the weekend of May 18-20.
The Liberty High School stage actors were the first high schoolers to perform J.E. Ballantyne Jr.'s play which was based on the book "The Promise" by Eva Schloss and Barbara Powers.
Schloss is the second wife of Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank. Both were survivors of Nazi Germany concentration camps during World War II.
"A Light in the Darkness' is one of the most important scripts I have ever had the privilege of directing," said Sam Luptak Jr., Liberty Drama Director.
It is an inspiring heartbreaking true story of the life of Eva Scholss and the horror she endured as a young girl caught up in the Holocaust.
"As the survivors of World War II continue to pass on and leave us, it is left in the hands of the next generations to never forget what happened and to make sure that we are all diligent to never allow it to happen to anyone for any reason ever again," Luptak said.
Fact Box
The cast list
Eva Geiringer - Alexandria Hanson
Fritizi Geiringer - Shania Warren
Erich Geiringer -- Brian Root
Heinz Gieringer - Hunter Thomas
Anne Frank - Chelsea Orr
Otto Frank - Bobby Maas
Suzanne - Amber Orr
Hanne - Jenna Baughman
Mrs. Klompe - Michelle Santiago
Mrs. Debruin - Kaitlin North
Mrs. Broeksma - Joeseph Spangler
Mrs. Reitsma - Alexis Ramsey
Gestapo - Carter Brady
Woman on Train - Amber Orr
Man on Train - Cody North
Man at Camp - Jack Parker
Berta - KAitlin North
Elena - MArcy Hernandez
Minni - Jenna Baughman
Dr. Josef Mengele - Davin Stilson
Little Girl - Morgan Orr
The Kapo - Michele Santiago
Simon - Joeseph Spangler
LEonard - Cody North
Elizabeth - Jordyn Faustino
Prisoners - Abbi Polewchak and Jack Parker III
Luptak said the talented cast worked on rehearsals for nearly 12 weeks.
"What they have put on stage is an incredible special event," Luptak said. "I am extremely proud of each and every one of them."
Also in the audience was Ballantyne who also sang the praises of the young cast who joined the director and the author in a question and answer session with the audience after the performance. The audience also got a chance to view holocaust historical information that was displayed on the side of the auditorium.
The show made its world premiere in October 2011 at the Victorian Players. Eva Schloss, who attended the premiere, later spoke at Liberty High School which became the first high school in the world to perform this script.
"This script, this performance and the power it holds, is just one example of why the arts are such an important part of the educational experience," Luptak said.