INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Perserverance of life

Based on the lives of playwright Mark Harelik’s grandparents, The Immigrant is a charming, touching story of two Russian immigrants’ indoctrination into American life in Hamilton, Texas, starting in 1909, and how their incorporation affected the lives of two Texans who became their best friends. Haskell Harelik is a Russian Jew who moved to the States to escape religious persecution. In Texas, he is selling bananas from a cart he pushes from town to town. This is how he meets Ima and Milton Perry, who reluctantly and cautiously end up being his landlords, then his business consultants and mortgage brokers, but especially his friends. After Haskell has his bearings, he sends for his wife, Leah, and they raise their family in Hamilton. The play is a reflection on the perseverance of life as well as the melting-pot attributes of the U.S. Though Leah feels like they are alone as the only Jews in the small town, it is pointed out that, at the time, Hamilton is only 50 years old, and every one of its citizens started out somewhere else. Though she despises Hamilton upon her arrival, questioning the rightness of letting custom give in to conformity, questioning what it really means to be a Jew, Leah states decades later that she loves the town and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Through adaptation and opening their hearts to friendship, the Harliks build a new life as Americans. Brad Marlow as Haskell goes from a peppy little guy, bouncing around and babbling in Russian, to a grounded, prosperous and political businessman. Leah (Lauren Lovett) enters the U.S. as a suspicious woman who feels alienated, but transforms into the contented matriarch of her male household. The Perrys are more constant — simple people with good hearts. Ima (Katheryn Petersen) is country as can be, and while she may not be worldly, she shows the ability to have an open mind as well as open heart. Milton (Mark Goetzinger) is a hardy Texan with a good sense of humor, but also with a rock-hard stubborn streak. Friendships are tested at the end of the play, with the central question being, when is what you owe someone really paid back? Scenic designer Russell Metheny puts a lovely screen behind the actors that doubles for the slide presentations and colorful backdrop. James Still’s direction allows the action to take its time — there is no climax that needs to be hurried towards, as we are watching these people live and grow … action in and of itself. The Immigrant continues through May 25 at the Indiana Repertory Theatre; call 635-5252 or go to www.indianarep.com for tickets and information.