The musical Hidden, based on the real-life events of a Holocaust survivor living in Jenkintown, had its world premiere on Saturday at Abington Friends School, writes Alicia Vitarelli for 6ABC.

The musical follows the childhood of Ruth Kapp Hartz. When she was four, she was hidden in Southern France for the duration of World War II.

Her story is now being told on stage.

“I never expected this to happen in the autumn of my life,” said Kapp Hartz. “I’m very excited, especially because in the context of the Holocaust, not many people know what happened to hidden children.”

Kapp Hartz had to change her name to Renée to hide that she was Jewish.

“Renee means reborn, and now I’m being reborn again with this incredible musical,” she said.

The musical, which was written and produced by David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans, explores issues of identity, antisemitism, resilience, and resistance.

“Reliving my childhood is very emotional for me,” said Kapp Hartz. “But on the other hand, I think the message is so universal.”

A portion of the ticket sales from the premiere benefited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.

Read more about the musical at 6ABC.