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- Lawrence Van Gelder, The New York Times |
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[T]here is a hell of a lot
of fresh air blowing through the theatre... [Lyricist] Sarah
Knapp... has shaped and structured her songs with truly astonishing
maturity. Composer Steven M. Alper matches this sophistication
with melodies, arrangements and orchestration... that add musical
wit and heart to the verbal.... his is a lovely score... [A]
turning point and breakthrough for what the small musical can
do, for the subject matter it explores, and for its authors. Mark Harelik's text is based
on his same-named play, which was one of the most-produced shows
of the early 1990s. Now fashioned into an intimately scaled musical
with a cast of four, The Immigrant may well achieve similar success
all over again... Altogether, The Immigrant ably and affectionately
delivers the goods. [T]hose
who respond to its potent combination of sentiment, craft, and
integrity will be moved to tears time and again -- as were we. Feel-good immigrant biography that sings. |
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The making of
a nation, a town, an extended family: In Mark Harelik's play-turned-musical
The Immigrant, four emblematic characters represent almost anyone
who calls himself 'American.' the musicalized version of Harelik's
immensely popular tribute to his grandparents - in 1991, it was
the most-produced play in the country - retains both the neat
simplicity and emotional heft of its predecessor. If you use creative
talent as a yardstick [it's] a bounteous production... The at
once complex and accessible score clicks into all the right places...
An enjoyable, full-bodied experience... [T]he
score adds richly to the emotions and to the plot. Alper has a
wonderful ear for musical styles of the period, which he incorporates
into a score that sounds original and contemporary... a score
that looks for character explication rather than “numbers,” and it is
consistently interesting. Delightful, charming, uplifting and emotionally moving.
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Everything a musical should be! - The Wall Street Journal/Zagat "The Immigrant" is a journey as emotionally moving for the audience as its lead character's move from Belarus to Texas. Somehow this musical that tells a simple turn-of-the-century tale of friendship and assimilation turns out to be a powerful and meaningful exposition on the roots of racism and our common American humanity. It is a buoyant, heartbreaking achievement, and its simple goodness resonates much longer than its running time. - John Moore, Denver Post |
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The theatrical highlight of