Rachel Calof

Based on the true story of a Jewish picture bride, "Rachel Calof" is a depressing but somewhat interesting tale of one woman's dedication to her family amidst hardships. Kate Fuglei carries the one-woman show in her captivating portrayal of the troubled title character.

Set in a 12-feet-by-14-feet taped-off room, the musical takes the audience from Rachel's troubled home in Russia to her even more difficult life in North Dakota. "So many tears make up a life," she says, as she chronicles her fight for survival through difficult winters, childbirth, and pushy family members. Ellen S. Pressman directs with sensitivity, and Ken LaZebnik's script captures Calof's struggles well. Leslie Steinweiss' songs are simple and do little to move the action forward, but Fuglei, a talented and engaging performer, has a lovely voice and sings with great emotion. At approximately 80 minutes the show sometimes lags, yet it provides a worthy glimpse at Jewish history through not-so-happy eyes.

Presented by Stephens Lake Productions as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center's Flamboyán Theatre, 107 Suffolk St., NYC. Aug. 12–27. Remaining performances: Mon., Aug. 15, 4:15 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 19, 2 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 20, 9 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 27, 2:15 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.