Playhouse on Park has opened its 18th season with The Happiest Man on Earth, a one-man show by Mark St. Germain, adapted from the memoir of the same name by Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku. 

By Roz Green

Sasha Brätt, Co-Artistic Director of Playhouse on Park. Photo credit: Roz Green

The Happiest Man on Earth, a production directed by Playhouse on Park’s new Co-Artistic Director Sasha Brätt, will tell the story of Jaku’s life before, during, and after the Holocaust, where he suffered loss, imprisonment, and the destruction of the Jewish community, while ultimately staying resilient and finding his new-found purpose in life; sharing his story with the world. 

Robert Resniknoff as Eddie Jaku in ‘The Happiest Man on Earth.’ Photo credit: Meredith Longo

Played by Robert Resnikoff, Jaku takes the audience with him on his journey from the day he was taken up until today, where his story lives on and continues to be shared through his writing, and now Resnikoff’s performance. Although Jaku experienced something so tragic and unimaginable, he still was ultimately able to call himself “The Happiest Man on Earth,” and understand the importance of sharing his experience, honoring those who were lost, and reminding others that hope can still be found even in the darkest of times.

As Resnikoff portrays Jaku, he says, “There are many hard days, but even on those days, we are so lucky to be alive.”

Robert Resniknoff as Eddie Jaku in ‘The Happiest Man on Earth.’ Photo credit: Meredith Longo

Actor Resnikoff has previously appeared at Playhouse on Park in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, and on other stages performing in Hamlet, December Day Zero, The Owl Girl, and more.

For Brätt, this production also marks the start of his new role as co-artistic director, and he is excited for people to see what is in store for Playhouse on Park’s 18th season. “I wanted to start off this season, and my time at the Playhouse, with a story that shined a spotlight on that hope and on the best of what makes us human,” said Brätt. “While the play does not shy away from describing the horrors that Eddie experienced, the true takeaway is the indomitable human spirit that he, and we all possess. The things that bring us together, such as family, friendship, hope, and love will always be stronger than what drives us apart.” 

Playhouse on Park. Photo credit: Roz Green

Brätt has also directed productions at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Seven Angels Theatre, Capital Classics, and more. He currently serves as Theater Program Coordinator and Professor of Theater at CT State Naugatuck Valley in Waterbury, CT, and has also been awarded a National Endowment of the Humanities Fellowship for the Teaching Shakespeare Institute at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

This production will began with regular performances on Sept. 25, and will continue with a performance schedule that includes 2 p.m. matinees on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with 7:30 p.m. evening performances Wednesday through Saturday. A talk-back with the cast will take place following each Sunday matinee show.

Playhouse on Park. Photo credit: Roz Green

The Happiest Man on Earth is also part of Playhouse on Park’s Main Stage Series, where people may subscribe to see this show as well as four to five other performances throughout the season, with subscribers receiving 20% off individual ticket prices, no ticketing fees and other exclusive perks. 

Tickets are now on sale and range from $46 to 58.50 per seat, with student and senior discounts available. Tickets and additional information are available through Playhouse on Park’s website, www.playhouseonpark.org, or by calling the box office at 860-523-5900.

Playhouse on Park. Photo credit: Samantha Markey

Playhouse on Park is managed under the direction of Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc., and is located at 244 Park Road in West Hartford.

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