For an event so crucial to global history, World War II is an event that is at risk of being trivialized. As decades advance and survivors pass from old age, access to stories becomes more difficult. One must ask how to preserve these stories in ways that communicate the empathy of the common man, to reflect the fact that these were real people trying to survive? Many have written fictionalized accounts, but few could say to be as unique as Lois Lowry’s “Number the Stars.” Centered around a group of children trying to survive in Nazi-occupied Europe, the tale balances the dark overtones with a childlike sensibility that, even in naivety, captures something that exists within all of us. Lowry’s story is ultimately one of compassion and Phantom Projects has put on a mesmerizing adaptation that illuminates its value even today.
Phantom Projects is a group with a simple mission statement. Their goal is to introduce students to the potential of theater. For years, they have taken classic literature and adapted it to the stage. Recent works include the story of Emmett Till and S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders.” Within these frameworks is an embrace of stagecraft as well as young actors getting to shine. In the case of “Number the Stars,” the casting is slightly different in that it’s a mix of adults and younger children. The small cast, some of whom play dual roles, navigates the stage with finesse, managing to convey complicated action within a condensed space.
This is because The Johansens are in a compromised position. While they don’t seek to lose anything as Nazis patrol the streets, their neighbors will. The moral dilemma quickly emerges as Jewish families are often relocated into camps or potentially given much worse fates. It’s a scary proposition and one that forces innocent bystanders to wonder what they can do for change. Lowry chooses to reflect this story from the children’s perspective less because it’s easier, but the coming of age story reveals the necessity for reaching out. Children may be annoying to each other and not understand why sacrifices need to be made, but through storytelling, any idea can come to hold deeper meaning.
There are several stories nestled into “Number the Stars.” Some of them are to convey allegories about loyalty to your values. Others help to explain a chest of clothes that brings up their own uncomfortable secrets. Even beyond that, the stories are designed to provide peace as gunshots and bombs are heard. When soldiers knock on the door of The Johansens following the recent harboring of their neighbor’s child, it’s yet another story that saves the truth from causing a dangerous outcome.
Credit should be given to the actors who are able to explore the darkness without forgetting to embrace each character’s humanity. It’s a tense show that often leaves the audience uncertain from moment to moment, but through practicality, the leads are able to find ways to endure. It’s a hopeful message and one that is sprinkled with humorous moments that range from indulging a child’s need for princess stories to noticing that your crush has shown up to your nonexistent relative’s funeral. The mystery of where things will end elevates a simple story and creates a story that avoids being too saccharine. Instead, it’s practical and often surprising with where things go. The ending is a perfect little twist that is sure to make some cry.
If there is one takeaway from “Number the Stars,” it’s that there are still endless directions for WWII stories to go in. While many choose to focus on the nobility of soldiers of the horrors of The Holocaust, there are millions who were also there and contributed their own experiences to survival. Lowry’s story may not seem like the most extraordinary, but that’s part of the point. Heroic duties aren’t always done on battlefields. Sometimes they’re done in attempting to maintain order as nihilism knocks on your door. The results are profound and reflect endurance not only in being able to withstand tragedy but also in being able to live a happy life.
It’s a complicated tale, but Phantom Projects does a lot of impressive work. As they start their next season, I’m personally curious to see where things go from here. Like their other shows, there’s a lot to unpack with this one. Hopefully, their work will continue to produce work that appeals to its younger audience without sacrificing complicated ideas. Given that this story is likely to make the audience cry and even laugh at different times, I have faith that good things will lie ahead.
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