The Revels' Show, "An American Journey," is a Tale of American Immigration

This weekend, 40 performers will "board" a crowded passenger ship bound for America in 1907. The scene, staged at the Charles MosesianTheater, is where the will perform "An American Journey" on Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. 

This 90-minute show portrays a time when American immigration from Europe was at its peak. Written and directed by Patrick Swanson with musical direction by Kay Dunlap, the performance focuses on Eastern European Jews as well as Irish and Italian immigrants.

"The show has several main characters," says Dunlap. "The Rabbi becomes the leader of the three groups and brings them together by suggesting that although they don't have much, they share a meal, each family contributing to the soup pot whatever they can. His wife is also one of the storytellers. She teaches that no matter how noisy and crowded it is on the ship, 'it could always be worse.' Each of the families step out to share their songs, stories and dances."

The Revels Repertory Company performed the show in 2007 on Ellis Island. The production helped mark the 100^th anniversary of a record year of immigration, when more than 1.2 million people entered the United States – a record that would not be broken until the 1990s.

"An American Journey" has been adapted for schools and, according to Dunlap, is Revels Rep's most popular school show. And this year, she says, "The show has undergone yet another update, opening with a scene set in modern day Boston with a conversation between a Hispanic family and a Jewish family who meet in a museum exhibit about immigration."

Once the show moves back in time, the audience will hear a unique blend of traditional music and dance. According to Dunlap, "The music will include traditional Irish, Italian and Klezmer music from the period, as well as an original anthem written especially for this show by George Emlen called 'Hymn for a New Land.'"

The Revels have been preparing since early January for this performance at the Arsenal Center.

"We're hoping for a full house and have worked hard to expand the audience by partnering both with ArsenalArts and the New England Historic Genealogical Society," says Dunlap. 

Prior to the show, the public is invited to a talk entitled "Researching Your Family History" by Rhonda McClure, NEHGS Senior Researcher.  Doors will open at 2:15 p.m.

Tickets for "An American Journey" are available online or call 617-972-8300 ext. 31. Admission is $20 for adults and $12 for children. For additional information, visit the Revels website.