The Immigrant

The Immigrant is a new musical depicting the true story of Haskell Harelik, a young Russian Jew who instead of passing through Ellis Island, enters through Galveston and struggles to assimilate into a rural community in Texas. Commonly referred to as the “Galveston Movement,” Harelik’s story begins like so many others, peddling a pushcart full of bananas and wares — but his fate is changed forever when he asks Milton, a small-town banker, and his Southern Baptist wife for a drink of water from their well. Harelik’s compelling story of opportunity, success and the challenges of educating a new community is the essence of the American experience.

The Immigrant promises to be a theatrical highlight of “Celebrate 350” the 350th anniversary of Jewish communal settlement in North America, kicking off September 2004 with events and celebrations planned across the country. Directed by 1999 Tony Nominee (It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues), Randal Myler, the production features a book written by Mark Harelik, lyrics by Sarah Knapp and music by Steven M. Alper.