In Open Fist Theatre Company's production of Tom Jacobson's Walking to Buchenwald, "two couples learn what it means to be American in a world that no longer admires the U.S.," according to an official description.

Described as "a stroke of non-gender specific casting that dramatically illustrates the extent to which acting can change a story," the younger, soon-to-be-married couple is double cast with two women ("Die Damen") and two men ("Die Herren").

Mandy Schneider and Amielynn Abellera alternate with Christopher Cappiello and Justin Huen in the roles of Schiller and Arjay, who take Schiller's parents on their first trip to Europe, including an unexpected visit to a concentration camp.

“Theater is a mutable thing, which is what makes it living and unique,” Jacobson says. “Every night of a production is different, and every production of the same play is different. I love the idea that who you cast changes the way you feel about both the character and the situation. That’s something I always like to play with in my work.”

The new comedy was inspired by the prolific playwright's own experiences: Like the character of Schiller, Jacobson works at L.A.’s Natural History Museum, and he and his partner took his parents to Europe for their 50th anniversary.

Directed by Roderick Menzies, the cast also includes Will Bradley, Laura James, and Ben Martin.

The world premiere of Walking to Buchenwald runs through October 21 at Atwater Village Theatre in L.A.