Rural Central Texas, 1909. A young Russian-Jewish immigrant, newly arrived in America through the port of Galveston, pulls his banana cart into the hamlet of Hamilton. Fleeing the vicious pogroms of his homeland, he has sought refuge in the land of the free. Able to speak only Yiddish, alone in the midst of a staunchly Christian community, he begs for shelter. Over the next 30 years, he makes a home and raises a family in this tiny town. THE IMMIGRANT is the story of a young Russian-Jewish couple and the local couple that take them in, as religion meets religion, culture meets culture, fear meets fear, and love meets love. This is the true story of Haskell Harelik, “the Immigrant.” Written by Mark Harelik. Directed by Simon Levy.
The Immigrant
Reviews
Mark Harelik's tender rendition of his family story has been given a lovingly honed production helmed by The Fountain Theatre's Simon Levy. A quartet of excellent actors lend specificity to a tale that runs the gamut of more than 50 years. The tale gains fluency through the use of a sweeping projection designed by Matthew G. Hill. More from Sierra Madre to come!
At the Sierra Madre Playhouse, Simon Levy's sensitive direction and Matthew G. Hill's dynamic use of multi-media turn this family tribute into a charming, thoughtful evening... This story of a life fulfilled in America is definitely worth seeing.
THE IMMIGRANT centers on the young husband, Haskell Harelik (portrayed to authentic perfection by Adam Lebowitz-Lockard, himself a proud grandson of immigrants), Review: THE IMMIGRANT Speaks to the Journey Faced by Those Searching for Freedom in a Strange New Landwho after immigrating to America in 1909, decided the hustle and bustle of the dirty, lower East side of New York City was not for him. He picked a ship going to Galveston, then made his way to Hamilton, Texas with a population of 1,200 people, none of whom had ever seen an Eastern European Jewish immigrant before and certainly had no comprehension of his Yiddish language.After working hard on his horse-drawn fruit and vegetable wagon and then into a dry goods store, Haskell secretly sends for his wife Leah (the luminous Sigi Gradwohl who brilliantly reminded me of Carol Kane's immigrant wife in the film Hester Street), surprising his landlords and business partner upon her arrival as they never even knew he was married. Don't miss this extraordinary look at a family's journey from hardship to living the American dream, through both heartbreak and wonder
“The Immigrant” is a powerful story with many fascinating revelations of the human condition and it is also a true story based on the real life of the playwright's grandfather. Mark Harelik is a renowned author and actor and he brings a real sense of family to “The Immigrant” ultimately revealing what it can mean to be an American. The acting is five star across the board with well-deserved kudos to Sigi Gradwohl [Leah], Stuart W. Howard [Milton], Kaye Kittrell [Ima] and Adam Lebowitz-Lockard [Haskell Harelik].
I did like the acting performances from the four leading players, and the opening was dynamic and impressive due to Matthew G Hills outstanding set design. And a very relevant play for today's times, Russian-Jewish immigrant couple lands in Texas and befriends Christian couple who helps them offering shelter and work. The finale moved me, and i saw the light. And did I mention Matthew G Hills extraordinary set design throughout this production because it sure dazzled the hell out of everybody that night.
This foursome delivers the story with humor and depth, allowing THE IMMIGRANT to resonate for everyone in the audience....THE IMMIGRANT was written in 1985 and yet is strikingly relevant today. As an added benefit, you will learn a thing or two about Shabbat and the Jewish faith. Definitely go see it.
Mark Harelik's tender rendition of his family story has been given a lovingly honed production helmed by The Fountain Theatre's Simon Levy. A quartet of excellent actors lend specificity to a tale that runs the gamut of more than 50 years. The tale gains fluency through the use of a sweeping projection designed by Matthew G. Hill. More from Sierra Madre to come!
At the Sierra Madre Playhouse, Simon Levy's sensitive direction and Matthew G. Hill's dynamic use of multi-media turn this family tribute into a charming, thoughtful evening... This story of a life fulfilled in America is definitely worth seeing.
THE IMMIGRANT centers on the young husband, Haskell Harelik (portrayed to authentic perfection by Adam Lebowitz-Lockard, himself a proud grandson of immigrants), Review: THE IMMIGRANT Speaks to the Journey Faced by Those Searching for Freedom in a Strange New Landwho after immigrating to America in 1909, decided the hustle and bustle of the dirty, lower East side of New York City was not for him. He picked a ship going to Galveston, then made his way to Hamilton, Texas with a population of 1,200 people, none of whom had ever seen an Eastern European Jewish immigrant before and certainly had no comprehension of his Yiddish language.After working hard on his horse-drawn fruit and vegetable wagon and then into a dry goods store, Haskell secretly sends for his wife Leah (the luminous Sigi Gradwohl who brilliantly reminded me of Carol Kane's immigrant wife in the film Hester Street), surprising his landlords and business partner upon her arrival as they never even knew he was married. Don't miss this extraordinary look at a family's journey from hardship to living the American dream, through both heartbreak and wonder
“The Immigrant” is a powerful story with many fascinating revelations of the human condition and it is also a true story based on the real life of the playwright's grandfather. Mark Harelik is a renowned author and actor and he brings a real sense of family to “The Immigrant” ultimately revealing what it can mean to be an American. The acting is five star across the board with well-deserved kudos to Sigi Gradwohl [Leah], Stuart W. Howard [Milton], Kaye Kittrell [Ima] and Adam Lebowitz-Lockard [Haskell Harelik].
I did like the acting performances from the four leading players, and the opening was dynamic and impressive due to Matthew G Hills outstanding set design. And a very relevant play for today's times, Russian-Jewish immigrant couple lands in Texas and befriends Christian couple who helps them offering shelter and work. The finale moved me, and i saw the light. And did I mention Matthew G Hills extraordinary set design throughout this production because it sure dazzled the hell out of everybody that night.
This foursome delivers the story with humor and depth, allowing THE IMMIGRANT to resonate for everyone in the audience....THE IMMIGRANT was written in 1985 and yet is strikingly relevant today. As an added benefit, you will learn a thing or two about Shabbat and the Jewish faith. Definitely go see it.