The GERMANS UPSTAIRS-Romance Between a Nazi and a Jewess Is Foolish

The GERMANS UPSTAIRS, an original play by Francine Swartz premiered Thursday at the Ravine Theater in Healdsburg and runs through Sept. 15th. Don't rush out to see this play inspired by true events during WWII in France as told to Swartz by her mother and maternal grandmother. Swartz's family were living in Paris prior to and during WWII when Hitler invaded foreign nations and carried out the massive annihilation of the Jewish people. The facts of this dark period in history will forever be a bloody stain on humanity. The gravitas of WWII and the genocide committed to the Jewish people in Germany and Europe bears being remembered, retelling and respecting.  I'm not saying Swartz's two act play set in Paris in the 40s is disrespectful with regard to the atrocities that took place, I am inferring that this fantasy/romance construed between a German Captain in the Regime and a Jewish matron does do a disservice to the gravitas of actual events. Furthermore, such a romantic dalliance wouldn't stand a chance. It's portrayed as idyllic, bordering on the ridiculous. The play is centered on Josette (Grace Warden) a Jewish art dealer and mother of 14 year old Anna (Rickie Farah) and her dawning romantic interest, her tenant Victor (Bob Connor). Josette received notice that she would be assigned to house German soldiers temporarily shortly after Germany invaded France in 1940. Josette is multitalented, fluent in German, a gifted pianist, and a lover of the arts. Is it surprising that Victor loves German composers, classic painters and is appreciative of beautiful women? No, but this is a play that doesn't align as a war play. It fares more as a star crossed lovers' romantic melodrama. I found the acting by the cast convincing, especially by Bob Connor and Dan Stryker, the slovenly German soldier also residing under Josette's roof. Josette comes off as a demure coquette despite the encroaching hellish circumstance. She banters over music with Victor and tells him, "There are no borders in music." And, she muses "lovers don't ask permission. The heart wants what the mind knows we shouldn't." Sensible minds know this magical thinking of a romantic relationship between a Nazi soldier and a Jewish woman wouldn't play in Peoria. Skip it!