FATHERHOOD: The Musical
Synopsis
"My name is Wilhelm Brenner and I came to this country in 1907 because I had a dream."
This is our introduction to Wilhelm as he remembers his story of why he left his old country of Switzerland, what happened to him on the way and what he hoped to find in this new country of—America! (We Came)
Voices are heard throughout the hall, in numerous languages, finally in English—"Welcome to Ellis Island, your last stop before you enter the United States of America. You are here to begin your final examinations. All records, documents, and medical certificates will be checked before you will be allowed to pass . . . into America."
The gathering immigrants go through the lines of doctors and inspectors—some are marked and rejected while some are sent on. (The Arrival). After the inspection, they are told to find a place to sit and wait for further instructions. Wilhelm and his family find a corner and, like many times before on this journey, sit and wait. Wilhelm shares his dream of this new country. (Sometime In My Life). While Marta, his wife, takes the rest of the family outside, Wilhelm tells of the ticket salesman who finally convinced him to make this journey. (America! He Cried)
Rosa has wandered off to find her fiancé, Mr. Romano Caccuzza, who should be waiting for her, but has not yet arrived. Finding herself alone, she questions why she ever decided to come at all. (What Am I Doing Here?) Ian, who has been following her to make sure she is all right, tells her not to worry, that her husband-to-be will be there soon. (He'll Come For You)
Billy, a photographer for the New York Sun arrives to take pictures of the gathered immigrants. (Smile! Smile! Smile!) Anna is immediately taken by his American style. Wilhelm, Pappas, and others are busy playing cards to pass the time. Pappas is enjoying his new-found-friends. (My First Friends In America)
Marta and Wilhelm are out looking at the New York skyline, when Henrik is brought in by one of the guards, LaGuardia. He has been out exploring where he shouldn't be exploring—and if he is not careful could get the family in trouble.
Quinn, who has taken an instant liking to Rosa, has managed to get her alone and is telling her how much he could help her. (The Game) Ian runs in, throwing Quinn to the ground. A fight ensues, finally broken up by Wilhelm. Quinn tells everybody to watch their steps and perhaps they should pray to the Statue of Liberty if they want to get in. They take the last advice seriously—sharing their hopes and fears with the lady. (Pretty Lady In The Harbor)
Quinn regroups with some of the other guards and they share their frustrations—and dislike—for all the immigrants coming and ruining their great country. (Look At Them)
Pappas discovers Hans—who has already been marked for return—preparing to make a swim for the New Jersey shore. He convinces him not to take this path, but to appeal for a special Board of Inquiry. (There Is One Thing I've Learned)
Jacob's wife goes into labor and while Marta takes her to the island hospital, Wilhelm is left behind to calm the nervous father-to-be. Jacob terrifyingly shares the story of why they decided they had to come at this time. A boy enters to tell Wilhelm that Henrik has been taken to the doctor's office—they think he might have an eye disease.
Rosa is informed that she might be sent back if no one comes to claim her. Ian steps forward and says that he will marry her. She refuses—saying she must do her father's bidding.
Wilhelm, frightened by what is happening around him, begins to doubt himself and his decision to make this journey. (Am I Doing Right)
A letter finally reaches Rosa—her fiancé has died. But before Ian can reach her, Quinn arrests him. Word has come down that Ian has stolen money from his father back home. Wilhelm confronts Quinn about his hatred for the immigrants—and tells him that no matter what he tries to do, they will still keep coming. (On The Other Side Of The World)
Marta, finally getting in to see Henrik, comforts him in her arms. (Mama, I'm Scared)
Hans has been taken to a Special Board of Inquiry where a final judgement will be made. Pappas waits outside. Quinn, who has noticed how Pappas hangs on tightly to his bag, steals the bag, believing that it is filled with money. He discovers that it is filled with something much more valuable to Pappas, a cutting from mother vine at home. Quinn rips the vine into pieces as the other immigrants enter and try to help their friend. Quinn exits, knowing that he has been defeated.
The guards start to call the names of those allowed in to America. Marta enters with Henrik— he doesn't have the eye disease. Ian is being sent back home while Rosa will go on to Des Moines to work. Pappas enters, followed by Hans, who he has taken the responsibility for. News comes that Rebecca has had a baby boy, an American boy because he was born on the island. Finally, they call the names of Wilhelm Brenner, Marta Brenner, Anna and Henrik. They take their cards and enter through the door that says, "Push to New York City!" (Finale—Sometime In My Life—rep)