Theater Review: “Do This One Thing For Me”

Jane Elias gives a magnificent, heartfelt performance in her autobiographical one woman show “Do This One Thing For Me,” now playing through May 3rd at TBG Theater at 312 West 36th Street.

A magnificent talent, gifted with a flair for accents, Ms. Elias plays all the roles, by far the two biggest, those of her father Beni and herself.

His story as a Holocaust survivor, one liberated from Bergen-Belsen, is told along with his desire to dance at his daughter Jane’s wedding and all that entails, is told in a highly meaningful, insightful way.

There is humor and surely pathos as Jane goes from just wanting to watch the television show, “Fantasy Island” to an emotional visit to Auschwitz, another horrible concentration camp, where her efforts to contribute are truly rewarded.

I felt exponentially rewarded seeing this amazing performance directed by Tracy Bersley.

Afterward in addition to meeting the personable Ms. Elias, I talked with Jane’s aunt, her father’s sister and also a Holocaust survivor (her father died in 2010, his story and remembering such stories hopefully never will) Lina Russo.

What an inspiration, as she told people “see you next Sunday,” and repeated her mantra that she tells later generations and what she said “got her through” when she was imprisoned, that is “never give up.”

It was an extraordinary performance by Ms. Elias and a truly inspirational day. You will also be inspired and moved greatly by “Do This One Thing For Me.”

For ticket info click here