Albert M. Tapper's Bettinger's Luggage will get an Off-Broadway debut at AMT Theater, with performances running September 19–October 26. Steven Ditmyer is directing.
Taking place on the Lower East Side in the 1970s, the work follows a Jewish family that runs a luggage store. Lou Bettinger wants to pass the store on to his son, George, who only wants to become a standup comedian.
“With antisemitism on the rise around the globe, I was inspired to write Bettinger’s Luggage and normalize the story of one New York City Jewish family, portraying a story that is relatable to all of us—no matter the race, ethnicity or religion,” says Tapper. “We all struggle with family duty and responsibility and finding our own path in the world, so I wanted to write a story that reminds us of what connects us together and the shared human experience.”
Tapper's previous works include Sessions, An Evening at the Carlyle, Imperfect Chemistry, David, National Pastime, and All Aboard. He's also a noted theatrical documentarian, with producing credits that include Broadway: The Golden Age and Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy, the latter of which won a Peabody Award.
Casting is to be announced.
Visit AMTTheater.org.