Michele Kholos Brooks"Hitler's Tasters"is a Success at Guild Hall

East Hampton’s Guild Hall presented the New Light Theater Project’s Production of “Hitler’s Tasters” on September 7ththrough the 9th at the historic John Drew Theater. The shows were extremely successful judging not only by the enthusiastic applause but by the robust attendance especially for a post Labor Day presentation.

“Hitler’s Tasters,” is a play by award winning playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks about the interaction of the young German girls who tasted Hitler’s food. The play originated based on the story Margot Woelk revealed on her 95th birthday in 2012 when she told a newspaper reporter that she was one of 15 young women selected to be Hitler’s food tasters back in 1942.

The cast consisting of Hallie Griffin, MaryKathryn Kopp, Kaitlin Paige Longoria and Hannah Mae Sturges takes the words Ms. Brooks and gives the audience 90 consecutive minutes of pure high energy live theater.

Hallie Griffin as “Liesel,” gave the East Hampton audience an energetic vibrant performance. Her stage presence and natural flow throughout the show is a testament to her talent. Great things are definitely in her future!

MaryKathryn Kopp who plays the complicated role of “Hilda,” is an actor who can carry a show with her kinetic movement, her physical acting skills and her ability to seal scenes. Her dialogue flowed naturally coming out of her "Hilda" character and combined with her athleticism she just captured many moments.

Kailin Paige Longoria who played Anna, won the audience over with her pure charisma and stage presence. No doubt the playwright wrote her part to be sympathetic to the audience and Ms. Longoria’s talent took over from there. Kudos to her.

Hannah Mae Sturges who plays “Margot,” is a real "live stage" talent. One cannot take one’s eye off her because she has phenomenal natural movement on stage talent. When she starts to deliver her lines, the stage becomes somewhat brighter, the dialogue clearer the show more energetic. It’s was worth the price of the ticket just to watch her brief dances.

Finally, congratulations to both Director Sarah Norris and Producing Director Catherine Rust. With this production they have perhaps opened the door to a new approach in presenting live theater. Their innovative imagination and use of space, lighting, blackouts, and music was progressive to the point that during moments in the show, one had to wonder where did they come up with the idea for that.

The production of “Hitler’s Tasters, at Guild Hall was a clear demonstration of Michele Kholos Brooks vision, followed the interpretation of her vision by Sarah Norris and Catherine Rust showcasing the talents of Hallie Griffin, MaryKathryn Kopp, Kaitlin Paige Longoria and Hannah Mae Sturges. The shows run in East Hampton, New York was a total success.