On Sept. 8, “We’ll Meet Again: A New American Musical,” will be shown at Norton Auditorium. The play, written by James R. Harris, is based on the life of Henry Stern and his family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Germany at the age of five years old. 

After reaching the United States, the Stern family ended up in Opelika, Ala. The city graciously accepted Stern and his family and helped them integrate into their community. One of the most important driving factors of the play, however, is found in Henry’s discovery that one of his own relatives had managed to escape from the horrors of the Holocaust. This knowledge leads Henry to seek out this relative, dreaming of a future reunion. Stern would go on to search for more surviving family members for over 60 years.

Although many have now seen and supported the production, one of the play’s biggest supporters is prominent Auburn Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, and his wife Brandy. After experiencing the production, the Pearls helped to support and encourage the Southern Tour of the musical.

“We want as many people to experience this production as possible so that others can laugh and cry and be moved and inspired by the music, the story, and the dancing – just like Brandy and I were,” Pearl said.

Dr. Meghan Merciers is the Assistant Dean of the UNA, which has aided in bringing the musical to campus. 

“UNA’s School of the Arts and Advancement team is honored to bring ‘We’ll Meet Again: A New American Musical’ to the Norton stage,” said Merciers.  “James Harris has written a beautiful play based on the life of Henry Stern that conveys a message of hope and new beginnings. Director Richard Rose leads an incredible cast, expertly telling this timely tale, which balances somber historical events with an abundance of humor and terrific music set by the award-winning composer and orchestrator Mark Hayes.”

The soundtrack of the play hearkens back to many popular tunes from the World War II era such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “I’ll Be Seeing You”  and “Jukebox Saturday Night.” In addition to these, it also features some Jewish folk songs, like the much-loved “Hava Nagila,” to beautifully complement the powerful narrative of heritage and patriotism. 

“‘We’ll Meet Again’ is a proud testament to the American spirit,” said the play’s website. “The play’s creation involved extensive research and collaboration, with dedicated playwrights immersing themselves in historical archives and engaging in heartfelt interviews with Holocaust survivors. This attention to detail ensures an authentic portrayal of the era, sensitively capturing the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of those who found refuge on American soil.”

James Harris, the playwright responsible for the play, said that his hope for the play was for it to “capture the essence of what America has meant to the world in our best moments.” 

North Alabama’s Norton Auditorium is only one of many venues getting the opportunity to showcase this inspiring story due to the generosity of the Pearl family. Following its Florence showing, the play’s Southern Tour will continue on through the state of Alabama, visiting the cities of Mountain Brook, Athens, Enterprise, Brewton, Mobile and Montgomery.

For more information about “We’ll Meet Again: A New American Musical,” visit their website at www.meetagainmusical.com.