A Great Wave II at Poppenhusen Institute

The Poppenhusen Institute is thrilled to announce the sequel of “A Great Wave,” a play commissioned last year and produced at the Institute in June, 2024.

“A Great Wave,” written by Queens-based playwright Tom Block, highlighted the growth of the College Point neighborhood, and the vital place that the Poppenhusen Institute (founded 1868) played in its quality of life.  Set in 1892, the play addressed immigration, the rising women’s suffrage movement, and the challenges of assimilation into American culture.  The narrative followed German immigrants, a father (Jurgen) and daughter (Annalisa) through Ellis Island, and then to meet Annalisa’s brother (Hermann) and wife (Susanna), who had arrived in College Point five years before.

The sequel, “A Great Wave II,” set one year later,  follows the same characters, plus the addition of another immigrant, Alfred, the husband of Annalisa.  Alfred brings old world values, chafing at the changes in his wife, as she has become more modern and liberated (for example, working outside of the home and fighting for women’s suffrage).  Annalisa’s brother, Hermann and siste- in-law, Susanna, find themselves stuck between the old-world ways of Alfred, and their newer American life.  Hermann in particular finds himself between Alfred and the women, as Hermann, as well, is not thrilled with the changes in his wife Susanna, since they came to America six years before.  He is struggling to become resigned to her new ways.  

Tension grows as they have late-night discussions after Alfred’s arrival; explore English classes at the Poppenhusen Institute; visit Jocker’s Grand View Hotel (former Herman Schleicher Mansion) for a meeting of the volunteer ambulance corps; walk by the mansions on the north shore; and finally get into a fist-fight (Alfred and Hermann) in front of Flessel’s Tavern, with Alfred ending up in the jail cells in the basement of the Poppenhusen Institute.  

The play addresses issues prevalent in 1893, yet resonant today: immigration; clashing values; women’s rights; a changing America (Queens is about to vote to join greater New York City as a borough, instead of remaining an independent municipality) etc.

“A Great Wave II” will be presented at the Poppenhusen Institute, 114-4 14th Rd, College Point, NY 11356, on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 7 pm and Sunday, June 8, 3 pm.  The play is offered free, and open to the public, and limited parking is available.  Seating is limited, and reservations can be made by email (poppenhusen@yahoo.com) or by calling 718-358-0067.

The play is written and directed by Tom Block, and stars Rachel Halper (Susanna), Jake Laurence* (Hermann), Clara Steeves (Annalisa) and Joseph Sanford IV (Alfred).  This sequel runs approximately 45 minutes, and will be followed by a reception after both events.

For further information, please contact Susan Brustman, the Poppenhusen Institute’s Executive Director, at the above email or phone number.

Tom Block is a playwright, author of twelve books, 25+ year exhibiting visual artist and Founding Producer of New York City’s International Human Rights Art Movement (https://humanrightsartmovement.org).  His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE Arts Center, Dixon Place, Urban Stages, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Athena Theatre Company, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY, Drama League, Wild Project, University of Glasgow (Scotland) and many others. https://www.tomblock.com

* Jake Laurence appears courtesy of the Actors Equity Association