Janeane Garofalo’s First Play, ‘Russian Transport,’ Opens Tonight

Janeane Garofalo, Daniel Oreskes, and Morgan Spector will be stepping onto the stage tonight for the opening of The New Groups production of “Russian Transport.”

“Russian Transport” which is being directed by Scott Elliot and was written by Erika Sheffer, tells the story of a Russian Jewish immigrant couple who struggle to maintain their business.

Playbill describes the play, saying that “Russian Transport is a “suspenseful family drama set in the Russian Jewish community of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Diana and Misha, an immigrant couple, run a struggling car service while trying to carve out the American Dream for their teenagers, Alex and Mira. When Diana’s sexy and mysterious brother Boris arrives to stay with them, family loyalty is tested. For Alex and Mira, Uncle Boris is an exciting addition to their home, but soon Alex is pulled into his Uncle’s dangerous world.”

Garofalo has plenty of acting experience from movies like “Wet Hot American Summer,” and “Mystery Men,” and has been doing stand-up for decades. But this will be the actress’ first off-stage production.

Garofalo said:

 ”This is my first official play. I have been a fan of The New Group, and I never imagined that I would be asked to participate in something like this. It is both daunting and exciting. I have never had that feeling with my work, being both excited and terrified.”

“Initially, I passed. I thought I couldn’t do it, play a Russian immigrant mom who is running a business. I didn’t think I could vacillate between the English with the Russian accent and the Russian dialogue. I met Scott to tell him this and by the end of lunch I had agreed to do it. He talked me into it, but he is one of the greatest directors I have ever worked with. He says all the right things all of the time.”

How do you think Janeane Garofalo will do in her first off-broadway production?