Anyone who opposed the German regime risked being taken and punished. Sound familiar?
The Hiding Place, now playing at Soda City Theatre in West Columbia, is a haunting true story set during World War II in a quiet Dutch town. Directed by Debra Leopard, it tells the story of Corrie, Betsie, Willem, and Casper ten Boom—a Christian family who run a century-old watch shop and secretly shelter Jewish refugees in their home. As the Nazi occupation tightens its grip, the ten Booms create a hidden room within their house, forming part of an underground network that helps Jews escape arrest. Their courage and faith are put to the ultimate test when their efforts are discovered, leading to arrest, separation, and imprisonment in brutal concentration camps. It’s a stirring and heartbreaking look at the horrors faced by those persecuted by the Nazis, regardless of whether they were Jewish. Anyone who opposed the German regime risked being taken and punished. Sound familiar?
A.S. Peterson’s stage adaptation of Corrie ten Boom’s autobiographical book can feel somewhat disjointed, shifting between past and present. It’s easy to see the challenge of condensing such a far-reaching story into a stage production that moves across multiple locations. Even so, the script remains faithful to the source material. Soda City’s set design team, Debra Leopard and Todd Moles, make strong use of a limited space, creating effective playing areas. Costumes by Joanna Shaw and props by Lindsay Brown, Mark DiNovo, Debra Leopard, and Tracy Rice are well executed, and scene transitions are handled smoothly. There were some issues with the sound system—something not uncommon with body mics. It does raise the question of whether a stronger emphasis on vocal projection might better serve productions where sound consistency can be a challenge.
There are moments when the pacing lags slightly, but the emotional beats land well, providing enough tension to keep the audience engaged. The story itself is powerful and, at times, unsettling, with depictions and references to the violence and cruelty endured by those in the camps. Because of this, it may not be suitable for children under 12 or for those sensitive to such material. The production does not shy away from its truth.
Karen Herschell leads the cast as Corrie ten Boom, delivering a compelling and deeply human performance. She guides the audience through Corrie’s memories with clarity and emotional depth, capturing fear, doubt, resentment, and love in equal measure.
Bill Arvay brings warmth and strength to the role of Casper ten Boom. His portrayal of the family patriarch reflects both his deep devotion to his daughters and his steadfast faith.
Gayle Stewart’s Betsie ten Boom is filled with grace and quiet strength, serving as a spiritual anchor for those around her during their imprisonment.
Peyton Shumpert brings a heartfelt sincerity to young Corrie, delivering her lines with clarity and strength.
Within the large ensemble, several performances stand out: Ripley Thames as Pickwick, the loyal friend and co-conspirator; Shauna Lair as the chilling Hitler Youth, Otto; Bill LaLima as Lt. Richter, who interrogates Corrie; and Len Lesslie, whose German officer is convincingly menacing.
The cast also includes Mia Burke, Mark DiNovo, Nathan Wright, Olivia Nuvallie, Gina Saviola, Barry Smith, Rae Kostal, Katie Godfrey, Chiara LoBianco, Chase Umbarger, Bennett Shaw, Gail Carter, and Sabrina Schroeder.
The Hiding Place runs through April 19 with limited performances at Brookland Methodist Church in West Columbia. Tickets are available at sodacitytheatre.org.
Jane Turner Peterson is the Theatre Editor for Jasper Magazine and a member of the board of directors for the Jasper Project.
