THE LILLIPUT TROUPE

Chernuchin Theatre at the American Theatre of Actors
314 West 54th St.
NY NY

6-15 November 2015

Written by: Gaby FeBland
Directed by: Alex Benjamin
Featuring: Hollis Andrews, Aaron Beelner, Sofiya Cheyenne, Sarah Folkins, Lauren Mayeux, Laura Presley-Reynolds, Caleb Tourres

THE LILLIPUT TROUPE was a Romanian family of seven dwarfs who travelled all over Eastern Europe performing until they were rounded up and sent to Auschwitz. There Josef Mengele used them for experiments, but also kept them alive. They became the largest family to survive Auschwitz intact.

Their story is told here by, yes, seven actors who happen to be dwarves. Using a vaudevillian style to intermingle the story of Snow White with the true story of their experiences in the concentration camp allows them to play multiple roles and show off multiple talents. This conceit has mixed results. Some of the transitions are awkward and it occasionally gets confusing as to who the characters are supposed to be, but the cast handles the tone well.

Especially good are Aaron Beelner as the host/Mengele and Sofiya Cheyenne as Snow White/Perla. Cheyenne brings a particular radiance to the role of the delicately lovely youngest daughter who was actually sad to hear of Mengele’s death.

Their rendition of Tumbalalaika will haunt you as you leave the theater.

- Jean Tait -