The Immigrant at Austin Playhouse

After over 25 years, Austin Playhouse and Producing Artistic Director Don Toner are delighted to revisit Mark Harelik's The Immigrant in January 2018. Based on the true story of a young Russian-Jewish couple who entered America through the port of Galveston, this moving play opens with Haskell Harelik seeking refuge in the tiny town of Hamilton, Texas in 1909 (population: 1,203, no Jews). With only a fruit cart and a few words of English, his open heart and hard work win him a helping hand from Milton and Ima Perry. Eventually, Haskell saves up enough money to send for his wife, Leah, and the couple plants their roots in this strange land and nation of immigrants. Religion meets religion, culture meets culture, fear meets fear, and love meets love in this Texas playwright’s tender tribute to his grandparents.

“With all the anti-immigrant rhetoric coming out of the White House these days, it is good to be reminded that this country was built by immigrants who came to the United States seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Their diversity, hard work, and love of country are truly what makes us great,” says Don Toner, who will be directing The Immigrant for the second time.

The show will star Austin Playhouse Acting Company Members Huck Huckaby as Milton Perry and Cyndi Williams as Ima Perry with Joseph Garlock as Haskell Harelik and Estrella Gonzales as Leah Harelik.