United Solo Festival presents

RACHEL CALOF: A MEMOIR WITH MUSIC

Theatre Row
410 West 42nd St.
NY NY 10036

15-21 November 2015

Written by: Ken LaZebnik
Directed by: Ellen S. Pressman
Starring: Kate Fuglei

Based on the book, Rachel Calof’s Story: Jewish Homesteader on the Northern Plains, the story of Rachel Calof is the story of the kind of pioneer who built this country with her sweat and blood. Living in a 12 foot by 14 foot dirt floor shack, birthing and raising 9 children, putting up with an overbearing mother-in-law, and taking care of cows and chickens and wheat fields, Rachel is an inspiring figure.

As portrayed by Kate Fuglei, she is also an unstoppable force. Ms Fuglei is a burning ball of energy, and she lights up the stage. She is a gifted storyteller who uses every muscle in her body to share Rachel’s story with us.

However, why it was decided to make this a musical is beyond me. The songs add nothing to the show, and even slow the forward motion. None of the melodies are particularly memorable and the lyrics are mostly banal. The show would be far more effective without them.

- Jean Tait -