REVIEW: Rutka - A New Musical

A Promising Musical Still Finding Its Emotional Rhythm

"Rutka: A New Musical" is a new indie-rock production making its world premiere at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, running from October 13 to November 10, 2024. It’s based on “Rutka's Notebook: A Voice from the Holocaust,” the real-life diary of 14-year-old Rutka Laskier, who documented her life in the Jewish Ghetto of Bedzin, Poland, in 1943.

Often compared to Anne Frank, Rutka’s writing reflects the struggle of maintaining hope and normalcy amid the horrors of war while navigating the typical concerns of adolescence—friendships, first love, and gossip. The show combines an emotional narrative with a mostly fresh indie-rock score composed by Jocelyn Mackenzie and Jeremy Lloyd Styles. I found the harmonies, especially in the quieter songs, lovely. Of note, the program has no song list, probably because the show is still being developed.

Directed by Wendy C. Goldberg, the musical features an ensemble cast, including Lana Schwartz in the title role, with choreography and vibrant set and lighting designs meant to bring Rutka's world vividly to life. This show takes advantage of the Playhouse’s new bells and whistles (though the area where various set pieces arise from beneath the stage being open for long periods did make me anxious.)

The production aims to eventually make its way to Broadway, making this Cincinnati staging a significant early step in its journey. It’s slow to get going, and even once it does, it slides backward into too many quieter moments that do not accelerate the emotion quickly enough to engage my heart fully.

This musical explores personal resilience and tackles themes of hope and resistance during one of history’s darkest periods. Given the current political times, this show is particularly timely as a stark reminder of what has happened in our past—and without being heavy-handed, it gives us hope for something different.

It’s great to see the Playhouse etching its mark as a place where new musicals can be developed. It’ll be exciting to see how Rutka improves on its journey and what other new works can be developed right here in the Queen City.

RUTKA: A NEW MUSICAL runs through November 10th at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Click here for tickets.