• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2018
• For more information, contact Katrina Spenceman at katrinaspenceman@gmail.com

What happens after Fiddler on the Roof?

NEYT answers this question in their wonderful new production of “Rags”, Directed by Hallie Flower, which will be performed at 7 pm on December 6-8 and 13-15, and at 2 pm on December 8-9 and 15-16 at NEYT, 100 Flat Street in Brattleboro and performs for two weekends.

“Rags” is an uplifting musical that tells the story of Jewish immigrants during the height of the great wave of immigration flooding into America from Eastern Europe in 1910. The story examines the American immigration experience, including the prejudice, violence, and hate that have special relevance in today’s charged times.

From L to R Otto Morlock, Samantha Mills, and Django Grace in rehearsal for “Rags” – photos courtesy of Laura Bliss

Joseph Stein, the author of “Fiddler on the Roof”, wrote “Rags” as an exploration of what happened to the immigrants after they left Russia. As they struggle to make a new life in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, they are faced with inequality, intolerance, and corruption. And while the city streets may not be paved with gold, they echo with the music of opportunity, optimism, and hope in this deeply moving and inspirational saga. With music by Charles Strouse (who wrote the music for “Annie”), and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (lyricist for “Wicked”), the show is chock-full of extraordinary musical numbers all framed within a moving and inspiring story about love, loss, courage, faith and what it means to be an American.

The theatre is also inviting the community to share their family immigration stories as a part of their celebration of the immigrant experience. If you have a picture to share or a short description of your family’s immigration story, they can be emailed katrinaspenceman@gmail.com, or they can be brought to the theater weekday afternoons, or bring them with you to a performance! Stories will be posted at the theater on a “What’s Your Story” wall for audience members to enjoy as a part of the theater experience.

Rags performs December 6-8 and 13-15 at 7 pm, and December 8-9 and 15-16 at 2 pm. Tickets for these performances are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors, and $13 for Students.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.neyt.org, in person at the NEYT Box Office, or by phone (802) 246-6398 from 12-5pm on Wednesdays. The show plays at New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat Street in Brattleboro, Vermont.

New England Youth Theatre is an accessible theater, with accommodations for wheelchairs, and Assistive Listening Devices for patrons who are hard of hearing.

This show was made possible through generous support from Hazel Restaurant, DMI Paving, and Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors.