Rockwall, TX – July 2026 – The Rockwall Community Playhouse invites audiences to experience one of America’s most beloved stage dramas as it opens its 2026–2027 mainstage season with The Immigrant, a moving true story of hope, friendship, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Directed by Felicia Sykes with assistant director LaDawn Brown, The Immigrant will be performed September 11–27, 2026, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. at the Rockwall Community Playhouse, 609 E. Rusk Street in downtown Rockwall.
Written by acclaimed playwright Mark Harelik, The Immigrant is based on the remarkable true story of his grandfather, Haskell Harelik, a young Russian-Jewish immigrant who arrived in rural Central Texas in 1909 after fleeing violent persecution in Eastern Europe. Speaking only Yiddish and knowing no one, Haskell arrives in the small town of Hamilton with little more than determination and hope for a better future.
There, he forms an unexpected friendship with local banker Milton Perry and his family. As two families from vastly different backgrounds learn to trust and care for one another, the play explores themes of faith, compassion, acceptance, and the universal desire to find a place to call home. More than a historical drama, The Immigrant is a timeless reminder that kindness and understanding can overcome fear and prejudice.
The Rockwall Community Playhouse production features a talented local cast, including:
- Adam Vigil as Haskell Harelik
- Rue Underwood as Leah Harelik
- James Brown as Milton Perry
- Micha Stevens as Ima Perry
- Casey Norris as Haskell’s grandson
Since its debut, The Immigrant has become one of the most celebrated American plays of the past several decades. It was the most-produced play in the United States in 1991 and later inspired a successful Off-Broadway musical adaptation. The play continues to captivate audiences across the country with its heartfelt storytelling and enduring message that, in many ways, America is a nation built on the dreams and sacrifices of immigrants.
As an all-volunteer community theatre, Rockwall Community Playhouse has been enriching the local arts community for decades by producing quality live theatre and providing opportunities for performers, directors, technicians, and volunteers of all ages. The Immigrant continues that tradition with a production that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors (62+), students, and children. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets may be purchased online at: Buy Tickets
For additional information or box office assistance, call (972) 722-3399. All ticket sales are final, although patrons who are unable to attend may donate their tickets back to the Playhouse by contacting the box office at least two hours before their scheduled performance.
Whether you’re a longtime theatre enthusiast or attending your first live production, The Immigrant offers an unforgettable evening of storytelling that celebrates resilience, family, and the power of human connection. Don’t miss this inspiring opening to Rockwall Community Playhouse’s new season.
Submitted by Erika Nannis, Rockwall Community Playhouse Board of Directors
