Named by The New York Times as one of 15 shows to see in the U.S. this fall! →
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MC & TOM BRENNAN,
LINDA & GARY GREENBERG and
THE LEMMERMAN FAMILY present
OCT. 13 – NOV. 10, 2024
MOE AND JACK'S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE
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.
Please Note: Strobe effects and haze are used in the performance.
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.
This show runs approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission.
The cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Lana Schwartz (Rutka) in the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
The cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
The cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Lana Schwartz (Rutka) and Delaney Brown (Stasia) in the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Lana Schwartz (Rutka) in the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
The cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
The cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Ayden Weinstein (Janek) and Lana Schwartz (Rutka) in the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Ben Cherry (Yaacov), Bex Odorisio (Dvorah) and Lana Schwartz (Rutka) in the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
The cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Lana Schwartz (Rutka) and the cast of the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Bex Odorisio (Dvorah), Ben Cherry (Yaacov) and Lana Schwartz (Rutka) in the world premiere musical RUTKA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
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The Match (From The New Musical RUTKA)
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.
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Wendy C. Goldberg, director of Rutka, is no stranger to developing and directing new work. She has become a sought-after collaborator among playwrights and actors alike. In this interview, she shares her history with Rutka and the importance of this story.
read more
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
A minimum of 150 $10 tickets will be available for purchase in-person at the Playhouse Box Office beginning at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 22 for that evening's 7:30 p.m. performance. Limit two per person. No advance reservations or choice of seating. Subject to availability.
Pay What You Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.
Registration and Refreshments, noon – 12:30 p.m.
Free Upstander Workshop for Teens from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Performance of Rutka at 2 p.m. with a special $20 price for teens
We invite teenagers (ages 12-18) to join us for a special event highlighting the world premiere indie-rock musical, Rutka! In partnership with The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, workshop participants will follow in the footsteps of teen diarist Rutka Laskier and learn to be an Upstander – a person who exemplifies the best of humanity and uses those character strengths to make a positive difference in the community. The workshops will use drama to inspire participants to be an Upstander in everyday life. Following the free workshop, teens can attend the matinee performance of Rutka for the discounted price of $20. Reservations are required for the workshop. Visit cincyplay.com.
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.
Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show's run.
RUTKA: Be an Upstander Workshop
Deepen your engagement with the musical Rutka through reflection on the work. In partnership with The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, join us for a workshop that connects the ideas of the play to those of being an Upstander – a person who exemplifies the best of humanity and uses those character strengths to make a positive difference in the community. This free, multigenerational workshop (ages 12 through adult) will use drama to inspire participants to be an Upstander in everyday life. The workshop is free, but reservations are required. Visit cincyplay.com
MC AND TOM
BRENNAN
LINDA AND GARY
GREENBERG
THE LEMMERMAN
FAMILY
BARBARA AND IRWIN
WEINBERG FUND
RICHARD AND TEDDIE CURRY
THE GOLDHOFF
FAMILY
THE ROCKWERN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
LARRY AND RHONDA SHEAKLEY
KAREN AND DAVID HOGUET
SHELLY GERSON AND DR. JEFF ZIPKIN
DIANE AND CARL ISEMAN
DON AND FRANI JONES
WAYNE L. PRIM FOUNDATION
MARK AND NANCY
DAWES
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