Theater News

Fowler, Sessions, Hensley, and Miller to Star in The Immigrant at Westport Country Playhouse

Beth Fowler
(Photo © Joseph Marzullo)
Beth Fowler
(Photo © Joseph Marzullo)

Two-time Tony Award nominee Beth Fowler will star along with Tally Sessions, Dale Hensley, and Kyra Miller in the Westport Country Playhouse production of the musical The Immigrant, October 27-November 12. The show is being directed by Tazewell Thompson, who has been tapped to succeed Joanne Woodward as the theater’s artistic director in January.

Fowler received Tony nominations for her performances as Mrs. Lovett in the 1990 revival of Sweeney Todd and as Peter Allen’s mother in The Boy from Oz. She was the original Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast and has also starred on Broadway in Baby, Teddy and Alice, and the revival of Bells Are Ringing.

The Immigrant, with music by Steven M. Alper, lyrics by Sarah Knapp, and a book by Mark Harelik, is based on the true story of Harelik’s grandfather, Haskell, a Russian Jew who emigrated to Texas and eventually became a popular businessman. An Off-Broadway production last year at Dodger Stages starred Adam Heller and Cass Morgan.

The design team of the Westport Playhouse production includes Donald Eastman (sets), Arnulfo Maldonad (costumes), Robert Wierzel (lighting), and Jill DuBoff (sound). David Gaines is the musical director. The theater’s season will continue with David Copperfield (December 1-17) and On the Verge, or the Geograph of Yearning (March 9-24), plus numerous special events.