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Named by The New York Times as one of 15 shows to see in the U.S. this fall!

MC & TOM BRENNAN,
LINDA & GARY GREENBERG and THE LEMMERMAN FAMILY present

RUTKA:
A New Musical

  • Based on the diary of Rutka Laskier, as published in Rutka's Notebook: A Voice from the Holocaust
  • Music and Lyrics by Jocelyn Mackenzie and Jeremy Lloyd-Styles
  • Book by Neena Beber
  • Directed by Wendy C. Goldberg

OCT. 13 – NOV. 10, 2024


MOE AND JACK'S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE

ABOUT THE SHOW

You’ll never forget her name. A powerful indie-rock musical makes its world premiere in Cincinnati to launch its path to Broadway. Rutka’s world is consumed by the usual teen concerns, like friendships, gossip, a new haircut and the flickers of first love — all of which she documents in her diary. But the world at large is far from usual. It’s 1943 in war-torn Poland, as Rutka and her friends are trying to live life as normally as possible while confined in the Jewish Ghetto. With their futures and fates uncertain, they reach for hope, resilience and resistance. This all-new musical is a compelling drama based on Rutka’s Notebook — a publication of the real diary left behind by 14-year-old Rutka Laskier, and a shining example of how even one small voice can make a difference in the world. Rutka is brought to life by an extraordinary ensemble of young performers and with a raw and emotional sound, promising an unforgettable musical experience.

ADVISORY

Rutka is recommended for ages 12 and up. The teenage characters in Rutka try to live normal lives with discussions of first feelings of love, first kisses and new haircuts. Yet, the reality of the world around them includes descriptions of the violence and death associated with the Holocaust.

VIEW PROGRAM

You can view the Digital Program now online.

Digital Program

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC ALERT FOR PERFORMANCES THIS FALL.

See Parking and Directions >

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ARTISTS


Jacob Ben-Shmuel

Mordechai

Delaney Brown

Stasia

Ben Cherry

Yaacov

Julia Ty Goldberg

Nina

Dillon Klena

Lolek

Sabrina Koss

Linka

Bex Odorisio

Dvorah

Lana Schwartz

Rutka

Zoe Siegel

Micka

Hannah T. Skokan

Tusia

Ayden Weinstein

Janek

David Whalen

German Soldier/Gestapo

Jacob Zelonky

Mulek

Luka Ashley Carter

Understudy

Hannah Ervin

Understudy

Sara Mackie

Understudy

Tai Rosenblatt

Understudy

Jeremy Lloyd-Styles

Co-Composer/Co-Lyricist

Jocelyn Mackenzie

Co-Composer/Co-Lyricist

Neena Beber

Playwright

Wendy C. Goldberg

Director

Patrick McCollum

Choreographer

Nathan Koci

Orchestrator

Sharon Kenny

Music Director

Todd Rosenthal

Set Designer

Jen Caprio

Costume Designer

Josh Epstein

Lighting Designer

Connor Wang

Sound Designer

Yee Eun Nam

Projection Designer

Joanie Schultz

Dramaturg

Noah Putterman

Associate Director

Daryl Eisenberg, CSA

Casting Director

Andrea L. Shell

Stage Manager

Brandon T. Holmes

Assistant Stage Manager

Madison Stone

Assistant Stage Manager


ENGAGE


David Schwartz and Amy Langer on the first day of rehearsal.

Origins of a New Musical

Amy Langer and David Schwartz, talked with us about the creative process behind Rutka: A New Musical. From the inception of the idea to opening night, they shared insights into the challenges, triumphs and passion that went into bringing this production to life.

Read More

EVENTS


        

SPONSORS


Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission