Ron Bermingham - Voice Teacher - Coach - Music Director & Conductor
April 2015 - Marjorie Lyons Playhouse - Centenary College
Rags is the story of newly arrived Jewish immigrants attempting to “fit” into American society, to make a life for themselves in a Brave New World. It is a story of the clash between the old world and the new, between the unacceptable past, the sometimes incomprehensible present, and the quest for truth and happiness in an uncertain future.
Rebecca, a naïve Russian immigrant arrives at Ellis Island with David, her young son. Rebecca goes to work in a garment sweatshop while she searches for her husband, Nathan, who has preceded them to America. When they are finally reunited, Rebecca discovers that Nathan’s assimilation is not entirely for the best. His desire to change their name and turn away from the traditions of their ethnic culture in order to “fit in” as he seeks positions of status and authority in New York, begins to distress Rebecca, whose gradual enlightenment leads her into union activities against the very men her husband wants so desperately to impress.
As Rebecca and David sift through and shed many of their old values to make room for the new, they begin to carve out new lives in a new world that they are determined to make their own. Rebecca’s friend Bella also struggles, but her rejection of tradition leads her to a completely different end. Avram and Rachel, too set in the ways of the motherland, retreat from the chaos of the immigrant’s experience. Implanting the old traditions of the motherland in their new American surroundings, they resign themselves to each other’s company and find love and contentment together.
Rags picks up the story where Fiddler on the Roof ends, painting a sweeping saga of awakenings and disappointments, of greed and power, of strength and love. It is as deeply moving and inspirational a musical as you could ever hope to find. The brilliant musical score is the work of Charles Strouse (Bye, Bye Birdie; Applause; Annie). The book is by Joseph Stein, and the lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Students in the News
Prepping for his Broadway debut as Dmitry in Anastsia!
As of March 27th, Bruce will be back on Broadway, this time in the cast of Anastasia, and will be understudying the role of Dmitry!
Currently appearing in the cast of the new Broadway Production of Barry Manilow's "Harmony".
Congratulations on a well earned and much deserved trip back to 44th Street...right where you belong!
With a BA from Southeastern Louisiana State University and a diploma in Musical Theatre from the Florida School of the Arts in hand, Jordan cruised through Wenatchee with the Misoula Children's Theatre last year, and has now embarked on another tour with the National Theatre for Children. Watch for him in a city near you!
A recent graduate of the BFA program in musical theatre at Montclair State University, Trey has just joined the cast of the national tour of "Motown the Musical". Congratulations Trey - you're on your way to a bright future in Musical Theatre!
Is it Adam Vanek or an upper case letter H out for a day at the beach? This remarkable young performer, a recent graduate of the musical theatre program at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), is truly a singer - dancer "extraordinare". After a busy summer season at Bucks County Playhouse, he's back in New York. But not for long; he just booked the national tour of Chicago, the Musical!
A graudate of the BFA Musical Theatre program at Ithaca College, Patrick is in New Orleans this summer appearing as Officer Lockstock in a production of Urinetown, a co-production of The Nola Project and the University of New Orleans.
Heading into his final year in the BFA Musical Theatre Program at Florida State University, and not wanting to miss a beat, Collin has been a member of the ensemble company at Wagon Wheel Theatre this summer (2017).
Chris just completed his bachelor's degree in musical theatre at Marymount Manhattan College, going from NYC to Wenatchee, WA to join the cast of La Cage aux Folles (Hot August Nights) where he doubled the role of Jacob and appeared as a member of the ensemble. Now it's back to NYC to begin the long climb up the ladder of success!
Ian is currently on tour in China with Lightwire Theater, internationally recognized for its signature brand of electroluminescent artistry, poignant storytelling and music scores designed to evoke imagery.
With throat slitting, spine tingling action, choreographed by Bryce, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a new NYC production you will never forget! Currently running at the Barrow Street Theatre, NYC.
May 10-14, 2017
After a run in the Broadway cast of Les Misérables, Bruce is back on the New York stage in the ultimate cult musical! Don't miss the Encores! production of The Golden Apple.
Watch Bruce Landry, Karen Ziemba, and Music Director Fred Barton perform a preview clip from "An Evening of Irving Berlin on Theatre Talk (PBS New York). Click image above.
Josh has appeared in all three Amercian companies of the Book of Mormom: Broadway, 1st and 2nd National Tours. Catch him now at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City. Musical theatre at its funniest, satirical best!
Ethan is named Resident Music Director & Conductor of Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre of North Carolina!
After a successful November-December tour of Pasek and Paul's A Christmas Story with runs in Memphis, Dallas, and St. Louis, Cal Alexander is back on the road appearing in the role of "Nigel" in the First National Tour of Matilda.
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