The Fall Theatre Season got underway in the River Region with the Millbrook Community Players production of The Immigrant by Mark Harelik. -- It is a production whose themes ought to be noticed, especially in a world where suspicion and aggression against anyone perceived as "other" is all too common; but only a handful of audience members attended opening night.
Based on the true story of the playwright's grandfather, and accompanied by archival photos and period musical recordings [the screen in Millbrook is too small for audiences to get a full appreciation of visual content], this four-character story traces young Russian-Jewish immigrants Haskell and Leah Harelik [Kaden Blackburn and Millie Capouano] as they escape the pogroms in Russia to establish a new life in America: rural Baptist-Christian Texas of all places.
With the assistance of an older couple: banker Milton Perry [Roger Humber] and his wife Ima [Karla McGhee] -- hesitant at first, but gradually developing into a lasting friendship -- this foursome navigate language, cultural, and religious differences that eventually cement their relationship.
Along the way, and over many decades, we watch as all four characters touch one another's lives -- and ours as well. They are essentially good people whose actions invigorate the idea that cosmetic differences often highlight the qualities that make change possible: helping the downtrodden, recognizing shared values, generosity, family, and love.
There are a few aggressive actions against the newcomers, though they are reported rather than presented on stage; so the focus remains on the positive side. -- And both couples learn from the other. As do we.
There are only a few performances of The Immigrant; it's worth the effort to get to Millbrook.
