Zien and Finn's humorous work, with musical elements written by both men and the autobiographical script by Zien, will he heard at BSC's StudioSpace. Readings will take place 8:30 PM Aug. 22, 2 PM and 8:30 PM Aug. 23 and 7 PM Aug. 24. "In a beautifully told story of self-discovery, Chip Zien recounts his hilarious experiences as he participated in a particularly sad family event," according to Barrington's announcement. "Follow with him, as he attacks his own DNA, the medical care system, his upbringing, and his deeply confused, but lightly held religious beliefs. In The Little Immigrant we (sort of) navigate a cautionary tale of family love and money that apparently started in Vilkavishkis and then bogged down on the muddy banks of the old Missouri."
Zien and Finn worked together when Zien appeared in March of the Falsettos, Falsettoland and the Broadway melding of those two one-acts, Falsettos (he was the caffeinated shrink, Mendel). Zien also appeared in composer-lyricist-librettist Finn's A New Brain. Zien is also known from Broadway's original Into the Woods and the Roundabout Theatre Company's The Boys From Syracuse.
"We are thrilled to be doing a staged reading of The Little Immigrant in its initial stages," said BSC artistic director Julianne Boyd, in a statement. "Since a large part of our mission is producing new work, we are delighted that Bill and Chip will be developing their project with us."
Seating for The Little Immigrant is limited. Tickets can be reserved by calling the BSC box office at (413) 528-8888. A donation is requested. Performances are held at BSC's StudioSpace located on Route 7 across from the Sheffield Post Office.