Artistic Director Richard Rose is excited to announce the opening of Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story at Tarragon Theatre. Written by Governor General’s Award and Yale University Windham-Campbell Prize-winner Hannah Moscovitch, with music by Ben Caplan and Christian Barry*, Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story, a 2b Theatre production, comes to Toronto after touring to global praise and runs in Tarragon’s Mainspace April 16 - May 26 (opening April 24).

Halifax, 1908: two Romanian Jews stand in line at Pier 21 in Halifax, would-be immigrants to an unknown country. Chaim’s entire family was murdered in a pogrom; Chaya lost her husband to fever and starvation. But the New World is giving them a second chance, and they embrace it to the fullest. Narrated by The Wanderer — part showman, part rabbi — this genre-bending rock concert/theatre hybrid stars Klezmer-folk sensation Ben Caplan and is inspired by the real-life story of Moscovitch’s great-grandparents. 

This international sensation weaves together a darkly comedic folk tale with a high-energy concert. Old Stock is about how to love after being broken by the horrors of war. It's about refugees who get out before it's too late, and those who get out after it's too late. And it's about looking into the eyes of God. Written by Dora Award-winning Hannah Moscovitch with songs by genre-bending sensation Ben Caplan and Christian Barry, Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is a rollicking music-theatre hybrid, infused with the old world traditions of klezmer music.

Old Stock is based on the true stories of two Jewish Romanian refugees coming to Canada in 1908. After losing everything, Chaim and Chaya have been given a second chance in the New World, where they look to learn how to love and find our shared humanity after facing the horrors of war.

“We are always excited to have Tarragon favourite Hannah Moscovitch’s on our stage,” notes Tarragon’s Artistic Director Richard Rose. “Old Stock is a deeply personal story for Hannah, and we’re delighted to end our season with the dark humour, playfulness and music that Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story will bring Tarragon audiences.” 

Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story features Canadian folk musician Ben Caplan who does double-duty as narrator, multi-disciplinary artist Dani Oore and Robert Merritt Award-winner Mary Fay Coady, as well as on stage musicians Graham Scott and Jamie Kronick. Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is written by Governor General’s Literary Award-winner Hannah Moscovitch with songs by Ben Caplan & Christian Barry* and with direction by Christian Barry.  

The production premiered to great acclaim in Halifax and has since gone on to tour through Ottawa, Edinburgh, Edmonton, New York (Off-Broadway) and additional stops throughout the UK, Netherlands and Australia, receiving accolades throughout its journey. Additional tour dates are still being announced. Old Stock is a 2b Theatre production presented by Tarragon Theatre.  

Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story
Mainspace
In association with 2b
written by Hannah Moscovitch with songs by Ben Caplan & Christian Barry*
directed by Christian Barry
April 16 - May 26 (opening April 24)

A new play from Governor General’s Award-winner and the prestigious Yale University Windham-Campbell Prize

Halifax, 1908: two Romanian Jews stand in line at Pier 21 in Halifax, would-be immigrants to an unknown country. Chaim’s entire family was murdered in a pogrom; Chaya lost her husband to fever and starvation. But the New World is giving them a second chance, and they embrace it to the fullest. Narrated by The Wanderer — part showman, part rabbi — this genre-bending rock concert/theatre hybrid stars Klezmer-folk sensation Ben Caplan and is inspired by the real-life story of Moscovitch’s great-grandparents.

Showtimes are Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2:30pm, and select Saturdays at 2:30pm.

Tickets range from $22 - $60 and can be purchased online at www.tarragontheatre.com, or by phone at 416-531-1827. Discounts are available for seniors, students and groups and arts workers. Patrons under 35 & arts workers visit www.tarragontheatre.com/tarragon22/.

Tarragon offers the most flexible subscription packages in the city with savings of up to 40%, allowing patrons to choose their productions, change their dates free of charge, and offering many different price points to suit all schedules and budgets. Visit the website or call Patron Services today for more information.

Rush tickets are sold for $20 cash only, in person at the theatre two hours before showtime. This year Tarragon will also be offering online rush tickets at varying discounts, 24h prior to the show. Both Rush ticket options are subject to availability.

For more information on Tarragon’s events and activities, visit www.tarragontheatre.com.

Tarragon Theatre’s 2018/2019 Season Sponsor is BMO Financial Group. The 2018/19 Season Media Sponsors are NOW Magazine, Jazz FM Radio, and Zoomer Radio/Classical 96.3. Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is sponsored by Sheri & William Appell and Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney. 

Photo: Ben Caplan. © 2018 Stoo Metz.