ELLIS ISLAND AHEAD!

by Nora Louise Syran

On the eve of the 1954 closing of Ellis Island, two teenagers, an Italian-American and an Irish-American, sneak inside the main building to see it for themselves. They meet an older man, now a janitor after serving as an inspector on the island since the early 1900s.The teens are drawn into his stories from the past and his memories come alive with an ensemble of people from all nationalities and backgrounds who...

On the eve of the 1954 closing of Ellis Island, two teenagers, an Italian-American and an Irish-American, sneak inside the main building to see it for themselves. They meet an older man, now a janitor after serving as an inspector on the island since the early 1900s.The teens are drawn into his stories from the past and his memories come alive with an ensemble of people from all nationalities and backgrounds who have one thing in common: they are on the path of their "pursuit of happiness."

A timely play (with optional live-sung music) that celebrates America as a country of immigrants.
~70 minutes, Cast of 10+ (A large ensemble is encouraged; up to 40 roles included, extras possible)

This is a full length expanded version of the one act published by Eldridge Plays and Musicals
https://histage.com/ellis-island-ahead

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ELLIS ISLAND AHEAD!

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  • Richard Lyons Conlon: ELLIS ISLAND AHEAD! by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    How do you tell the stories of the hordes of people who passed through Ellis Island? Syran has done just that with her magical play "Ellis Island Ahead!". In fact, she's telling the story of all America and of all immigrants whether they went through E.I. or not.

    I marvel that a play can seem so epic and yet so intimate at the same time. Syran gives us a grand tour of Ellis Island, the place, and Ellis Island, the point in time, using fast-moving scenes and ever-changing characters (with myriad languages, accents, stories, songs, poems, and more). Excellent!

    How do you tell the stories of the hordes of people who passed through Ellis Island? Syran has done just that with her magical play "Ellis Island Ahead!". In fact, she's telling the story of all America and of all immigrants whether they went through E.I. or not.

    I marvel that a play can seem so epic and yet so intimate at the same time. Syran gives us a grand tour of Ellis Island, the place, and Ellis Island, the point in time, using fast-moving scenes and ever-changing characters (with myriad languages, accents, stories, songs, poems, and more). Excellent!

    ”
While casting for an ensemble of 10 (5 m, 5 w) is suggested below; a large ensemble of up to 40+ roles (without doubling ) is encouraged.

ACTOR 1: (M) Former inspector, now a janitor, in his 60s
ACTOR 2: (F) Barbara, Italian-American teenager
ACTOR 3: (M) Brian, Irish-American teenager
ACTOR 4: (F) Elegant Woman*, Newspaper Reader, Lena Berlin,
Mother, Frank Woodhull+, French Companion
ACTOR 5: (F) Woman, Sarah Berlin, Kamileh Gibran, Nurse+, Finnish Anna, Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Ann*
ACTOR 6: (F) Annie Moore, Chasse Berlin, Turkish Woman, Mamie O’Rourke, Swedish Hedda
ACTOR 7: (F) Journalist+, French Woman, Syrian Woman
ACTOR 8: (M) Anthony Moore, Boy, Khalil Gibran, Groom*, Dan-The Irishman, Irish Steward
ACTOR 9: (M) Philip Moore, Doctor, Charlie Chaplin*, Melodramatic, Hero*, Russian
ACTOR 10: (M) Ferryman, Elegant Man*, Moses Berlin, Boutros*, Translator+, Captain*, Boss*, German Man,*

Director to assign: Guitar: Dan song, Ukulele: Mary Ann song, and Tin Flute: Dan song
+male or female
*Non-speaking or singing/one line only