By Cindy Peterson
First Academy to Present Powerful Stage Production About Holocaust
FA Leesburg is preparing to bring one of its largest full-scale productions to the stage with “The Hiding Place,” a powerful drama based on the best-selling book by Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom.
The play, set for May 2-3, 2025, tells the unforgettable true story of the ten Boom family, ordinary citizens in 1940s Holland who became heroes of the Dutch Resistance during the Nazi invasion. The ten Booms risked their lives to save more than 800 Jews from certain death — a choice that ultimately led to their own arrest and imprisonment in a concentration camp.
In this unforgettable true story, when an old watchmaker and his spinster daughters find their world turned upside down during the Nazi invasion, they become unlikely members of the Dutch Resistance and begin the dangerous mission of helping their Jewish friends and neighbors. But when the Nazis discover the operation, Corrie and Betsie are sent to the dreaded Ravensbrück concentration camp, where a remarkable story of love and the power of forgiveness is revealed.
“We are so honored to share Corrie’s story about how God’s love is stronger than hate! It’s beyond inspiring. The whole Ten Boom family were heroes. They knew the risks but purposely chose to save other people’s lives at the cost of their own,” Theatre Director Molly Ishmael says. “Corrie’s father Casper famously said, ‘Love is the strongest force in the world.’ And Betsie, her sister who died in Ravensbrück concentration camp, faithfully proclaimed before her death that ‘There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.’ Finally, survivor and author Corrie ten Boom herself said, ‘In darkness God’s truth shines most clear.’ So even though the play is set in the heart of darkness, I think audiences will be surprised by how much light and hope there is in the story. And I hope our guests are encouraged and moved to take positive action in their own lives and in our community.”
The story of the ten Boom family has inspired audiences worldwide for more than 50 years. This year’s FA Leesburg production brings that legacy to life on stage.
“I’d like to give credit to our student makeup artist Mya Berry,” Molly says. “She’s only in 10th grade but she could be pro!”
Tickets for “The Hiding Place” are on sale now at FADrama.com. Standard tickets are $10, with VIP seating available for $12.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 2–3, 2025.
Parental guidance is suggested due to mature themes related to the Holocaust, but the production emphasizes a message of faith, love, and ultimate victory.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
