Sarasota Jewish Theatre Closes Fourth Season With Mark Harelik's THE IMMIGRANT

Sarasota Jewish Theatre will  present Mark Harelik's “The Immigrant,” based on a true story, as its closing play of the 2023-24 season. The play, directed by Gus Kaikkonen, runs from May 1-12 at The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To purchase tickets ($18-$36), visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494. For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

Mark Harelik's “The Immigrant,” directed by Gus Kaikkonen, is a heartwarming true story of a life fulfilled in the “Golden Land.” In rural central Texas, 1909, Haskell Harelik (Michael Raver), a young Russian-Jewish immigrant has sought refuge in the land of the free. He arrives in America through the port of Galveston and discovers a world of unknowns. He discovers bananas and sells them door to door, eventually managing to buy a cart. Life changes when he pulls his banana cart into the village of Hamilton. Able to speak only Yiddish, alone amid a staunchly Christian community, he begs for shelter. Miracles continue to unfold over the next 30 years as religion meets religion, culture meets culture, and humanity triumphs over fear. The cast includes Vickie Daignault as Ima Perry, Chris Caswell as Milton Perry, and Noa Friedman as Leah Harelik.

Preview: May 1, 1:30 p.m.

Performances: May 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11 at 7:30 p.m.; May 3, 5, 12 at 1:30 p.m.