Mark Harelik’s ‘The Immigrant’ to play Penguin Rep Theater
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of founding artistic director Joe Brancato and executive director Andrew M. Horn, opens the season with Mark Harelik’s “The Immigrant.”
Directed by Mr. Brancato, “The Immigrant” is the true story of the playwright’s grandfather’s move from Russia to the United States in 1909.
“Instead of going to New York, Haskell Harelik landed in Galveston, Texas, and ended up in the tiny town of Hamilton — population: 1,203; no Jews,” Mr. Brancato said. “A stranger in a strange land, he spoke no English, but with a wheelbarrow, a bunch of bananas, and the support of a Texan couple, he laid claim to the American dream.”
The show’s limited engagement is through Sunday, June 12, at Penguin Rep’s Barn Theatre in Stony Point in New York’s Rockland County. Featured actors include Tina Johnson, Jason Liebman, Melissa Miller, and Bill Phillips. The official opening is Sunday, May 22, at 2 p.m.
The production features scenic design by Brian Prather, costume design by Patricia E. Doherty, lighting design by Michael O’Connor, and sound design by William Neal. Casting is by Cindi Rush.
Mr. Brancato previously directed “The Immigrant” at Penguin in 1988. It starred Avi Hoffman, who recently was nominated for a Drama Desk Award as best actor for the Yiddish-language production of “Death of a Salesman.”
Penguin’s season also includes Jonathan Tolin’s Off Broadway “Buyer & Cellar” (July 1–July 24), “Dancing Lessons,” a romantic comedy by Mark St. Germain, author of last season’s hit “Becoming Dr. Ruth” (August 12–September 4), and Michael McKeever’s “Daniel’s Husband,” an award-winning new drama about the power and pain of love (September 23–October 16).
Penguin’s 108-seat theater is at 7 Crickettown Road. For information, go to www.penguinrep.org or call (845) 786-2873.
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