Stages: ‘Dishwasher Dreams’ at MRT a first-person tale of immigration

Lowell’s Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) proudly welcomes “Dishwasher Dreams” to its Liberty Hall stage on East Merrimack Street Feb. 28-March 17.

Written and performed by Alaudin Ullah, and directed by Chay Yew, from baseball games at Yankee Stadium to watching Bollywood films in movie theaters, this 90-minute one-man performance follows the dreams of Ullah’s Bangladeshi family as they immigrate to Spanish Harlem and the experiences of growing up as Muslim Americans.

It was originally presented at the Hartford Stage, Writers Theatre in Chicago, and the Old Globe in San Diego.

Ullah’s struggle to connect with his Bangladeshi heritage against his Hollywood dreams bring forth humor and heartbreak. He has spent the past two decades establishing himself as one of the first South Asian comedians to be featured nationally on HBO, MTV, BET, PBS, and Comedy Center.

He is a member of the Public Theater’s Inaugural Emerging Writers group and has had his works produced at the Public Theatre, New York Theater Workshop, Lark Play Development Center, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, LAByrinth Theater Company, New Federal, Cape Cod Theater Fest, and in Chicago (at Silk Road and Victory Gardens). Ullah has his MFA in Playwriting from Columbia University.

“As an immigrant to this country, I really identify with [Ullah’s] parents’ struggle,” director Yew explained in an interview with “New City Stage.”

“This play figures very largely about how Alaudin wants to become American, and the American performer, only to realize who he really is, ultimately, is the best of these two worlds,” he said.

Having grown up in Singapore, Yew understands the importance of representing these stories on the stage and believes that MRT is the perfect home for “Dishwasher Dreams.”

As a renowned director, he has directed various productions at the Public Theater, Signature Theatre, and the New York Theatre Workshop. He is the recipient of the OBIE, DramaLogue, and the Craig Noel Awards for Direction.

Yew is also a playwright, known for his plays “Porcelain,” “A Language of Their Own,” and “Red.” His plays have been awarded the London Fringe Award for Best Playwright and Best Play, George and Elisabeth Marton Playwriting Award, GLAAD Media Award, and the Asian Pacific Gays and Friends’ Community Visibility Award to name a few.

“Dishwasher Dreams” received favorable reviews across the country. Kerry Reid from “The Reader” claims, “It’s a familiar story in many ways, but also a rare portrait of a culture not often represented on American stages.”

Mira Temkin of “Chicago Theater and Arts” promises, “This exhilarating trek will have you laughing and crying at the same time.”

Colin Douglas from “Chicago Theatre & Concert Reviews” claims, “Every so often a story comes along that really makes you feel deeply and think about who you are and how you got to that place in life … And Mr. Ullah’s very touching, often humorous performance, is such a story.”

Tickets available on mrt.org or at the box office at 978-654-4678 or box_office@mrt.org. Discounts available. For information, visit www.mrt.org/discountsandevents or contact the box office.

In the wings

AT GROTON HILL MUSIC: Every kind of music is on the calendar at Groton Hill Music Center, from bluegrass and jazz to choral and classical and everything in between. There are lessons for all ages, concerts, and summer programs for kids and adults in the stunning venue on Old Ayer Road in Groton.  Visit the easy-to-use website www.grotonhill.org for the latest news, concert calendar, ticket sales, and updates.

Nancye Tuttle’s email is nancyedt@verizon.net.