2014 Rachel Calof Story, a Play in Devils Lake

In 2013 The Rachel Calof story was at the Jewish Theatre in St. Paul. Ellen and Mike Connor and Rick and Shirley LaFleur came from Devils Lake to join us. They were excited about it and thought that it should be shown in Devils Lake, because of course that was near where Rachel Calof lived. The Lake Region Heritage Center & ND Chautauqua Association were the moving forces in raising the money, getting a grant, securing a place for the play and hosting the event in 2014. It was a magnificent weekend. Over forty descendants of Rachel Calof were there.

The weekend, which was designated ‘Rachel Calof Days’ by the Devils Lake City Commission and Ramsey County Commissions, included social gatherings, tours out to the original homestead, and the play itself which was a sell out for two nights running. Of course the Rachel Calof Story is every immigrant’s story and spoke to everyone who had family who had immigrated to North Dakota or elsewhere.

“I stood at the Calof farm and the homestead that would have been my family’s homestead stood just beyond. In my mind’s eye, I could see the families visiting one another, gathering for social events and holidays, eating what the women cooked and of course the children played together.” ~ Dianne Siegel

Slideshow of The Weekend

"Rachel Calof A Memoir With Music" Playbook

Kate Fuglei takes a bow - Photo by Laura Zelle

Post play panel discussion - Photo by Laura Zelle

The Creative Team: L to R Top Row - Ken LaZebnik, Kate Fuglei, Ellen Pressman: Bottom Row - Ross Kailling, Leslie Steinweiss - Photo by Rick LaFleur

Acting workshop for students and the general public with Kate Fuglei and the creative crew on Sunday in the old Federal Court Room at the Lake Region Heritage Center - Photo by Rick LaFleur

The bus tour gets started

First stop is the Newgard Farm which contains the original Calof homestead

he white flag in the far distance is the site of Rachel Calof's sod home

Some of many Rachel Calof descendants

More Rachel Calof descendants

Even more Rachel Calof descendants

The bus tour stops at the Sons of Jacob Cemetery

Leighton Siegel smiles as Stan Calof signs his name as a visitor - Photo by Laura Zelle

Lilacs, Sons of Jacob Cemetery - Photo by Mike Connor

At Sons of Jacob Cemetery

Communal Kaddish, Sons of Jacob Cemetery - Photo by Laura Zelle

Dennis Kitsch, Stan Calof and Mike Connor at the Cemetery

The Calof family thank Kate and the creative crew and present her with Rachel Calof memorabilia

Apple pie and ice cream social provided Saturday afternoon by the Senior Center, YUM!

About The Play

About Kate Fuglei

Kate Fuglei

KATE FUGLEI

An American actress and singer based in Los Angeles, Ms. Fuglei holds 40+ credits in film and episodic television. Her most recent performances include the films Aloud and Sitter-Cam, as well as Santa Clarita Diet, Feud and The Real O’Neals on television.

In theatre, Kate tours with her one-woman show, Rachel Calof, which took home Best Musical at the 2015 United Solo Festival in New York. She’s also toured the country extensively with Spring Awakening and holds regional credits from La Jolla, L.A. Shakespeare, N.Y.S.F., A.C.T., Arena Stage, Hartford Stage and more.

Born and raised in Omaha, Kate started her acting career at the Guthrie Theater. She is the wife of Ken LaZebnik, award-winning playwright and screenwriter, and proud mother of Ben LaZebnik (Columbia University, Class of 2018) and Jack LaZebnik (1st Lieutenant, 75th Ranger Regiment, West Point, Class of 2013).