Two historically turbulent times, separated by 100 years and thousands of miles, are beautifully interwoven in this inspirational story of hope and connection. The year is 1939, Berlin, Germany. Rifka and her little brother Aaron are sent into hiding with the Westemeiers, a rural German family, in the hopes of escaping Nazi persecution. While waiting for a boat that will take them to the safety of Denmark, Rifka reads from a book sent by relatives in America.
It is a first-person account of a runaway teenage slave named Brave Mary who escaped an Alabama plantation in the 1830’s. As Brave Mary’s escape unfolds before them and they are introduced to the history of slavery in the United States, the Jewish children realize that those who long for freedom travel the same road.
Home on the Mornin’ Train is being directed by Preston Misner. The talented cast features Civic veterans Kadie Alpers, Roland Bissonnette, Micah Froman, Najah Gill, Stefon Hemphill, Amber Lester and Christopher Spray. Making their Civic debuts in this production are Havilah Branch, Amyre Dennis, Jordan Swope, Yaminah Thomas and Milo Velkoff.
The stage management team consists of Stage Manager Grace Santamaria and Assistant Stage Managers Marisa Kaugers and Sky Lester.
Returning to the Civic as part of the hard working crew are Koichi Anderson, Cameron Andrews, Acacia Costales, Sonata Davis, Xavion Gill, Sydney Gonser, Mitchell Harpenau, Jessica Hasper, Lauren Jess, Sarah Kueppers, Ellie McCormick, Gannon Miller, Haley Rose Sikkenga, Timothy Walsh, Nicole Weber
First time crew members include Alex Babbitt, Nolan Banner, Molly Garcia, Joshua Gonzales, Ellie Harnden, Emma Houtrow, Kallan Roberson, Sophia Roth, Hannah Sherman, Dorie Sullivan, Brittany Tegethoff, Kaylee Tegethoff and Andrew Walsh.
Tickets for Home on the Mornin’ Train are available online at www.kazoocivic.com or by calling the Civic Box Office at 269-343-1313.
