THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
Chagall In New York
A Play By David McDonald
May 1 – May 18, 2025
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Tickets $25 tickets, $15 Students and Seniors
Thursdays Pay What You Can
Run Time: 2 hours
CINO THEATER
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions
What happens when you’ve lost all hope and the one thing that can get it back — your own creativity — has deserted you as well? “Chagall In New York” is the story of hope and redemption that begins with a profound loss — that of Marc Chagall’s wife Bella, the woman who floats with him in so many paintings. For decades, Bella had been Marc Chagall’s muse, partner, and sounding board, his adoration for her made iconic by the sheer amount of paintings where she flew alongside him. It was a deep, deep spiritual bond.
But in 1944, Bella died suddenly in upstate New York, consumed by grief and guilt over the countless loved ones left behind in Eastern Europe—many of whom perished in the Holocaust. Chagall, devastated, found himself unable to paint for more than a year.
Into this landscape of grief and artistic paralysis comes Virginia Haggard, a young Englishwoman seeking work, who is hired as Chagall’s assistant by his daughter Ida. Their initial meeting reveals Chagall’s profound resistance to help and his deep-seated pain. He is belligerent, lashing out in grief and frustration.
The play beautifully portrays Virginia’s patient determination to connect with Chagall, to draw him back into the world, and ultimately, to reignite his creative fire. It is a slow and delicate process, filled with both conflict and unexpected moments of connection. Through their interactions, Chagall confronts his grief, rediscovers his passion for art, and finds a new way to engage with the world.
“Chagall In New York” is a poignant exploration of loss, the healing power of art, and the surprising ways in which human connection can lead to renewal and second chances.
Starring Ukrainian-born Hollywood actor Ilia Volok, best known for his roles as Russian gangsters in film, the play explores the complex emotional and artistic journey of celebrated Jewish artist Marc Chagall during his time as a refugee in 1940s New York. Volok takes on the role of Chagall, portraying the artist’s struggles with exile, grief, and the transformative power of creativity.
Joining him on stage is Sophia Romma as Ida Chagall, the artist’s devoted daughter, who introduces her father to the young Englishwoman Virginia Haggard (played by Gracie LeClere). Jamie MacDonald portrays Virginia’s husband, John McNeil, alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Austin Pendleton as André Breton, actor/brain surgeon Ezriel Kornel, and Vadim Kroll as a prison camp escapee.
Written by David McDonald, whose acclaimed works include “Ella The Ungovernable” Chagall In New York is more than a historical drama—it is a meditation on the power of art as a spiritual force. This production delves into the resilience of the human spirit and the role of creativity in navigating tragedy. It is a poignant and timely exploration of how art can transcend suffering and bring meaning even in the darkest moments of history.
Chagall In New York is a must-see for theater lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone moved by stories of survival and renewal.
Website: luminescentmedia.org
CAST
Marc Chagall: Ilia Volok
Virginia Haggard: Gracie LeClere
Ida Chagall: Amilia Shaw
John McNeil: Jamie MacDonald
Jean Haggard: Alexandra Linos
André Breton: Austin Pendleton
Joseph Opatoshu: Rick Jordan
Goldwasser: Eriel Kornel
Vadim Kroll: Prison Camp Escapee
April Sandmeyer: Journalist
Natalia and Amalia Linos: Understudies
CREW
Writer: David McDonald
Director: David McDonald
Assistant Director: Sasha Ruinsky
Stage Manager: Samantha Ruinsky
Technical Director: Giovanni Vilari