In a season brimming with artistic collaboration and bold storytelling, Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company and the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston announce their first of two remarkable co-productions for 2025—the Houston premiere of The Wanderers by celebrated playwright Anna Ziegler. Known for its sharp wit, tender humanity, and award-winning pedigree, The Wanderers promises to captivate audiences with its nuanced exploration of love, faith, and identity.

Set to close Mildred’s Umbrella’s 2024-2025 season, this production marks a milestone partnership between two beloved cultural powerhouses. The play originally premiered in 2018 to critical acclaim, earning multiple prestigious accolades, including the San Diego Critics Circle Craig Noel Award and Germany’s Barbara Kisseler Theater Prize. Now, Houston theatergoers can experience this gem through a production directed by the visionary Jennifer Decker.

A Tale of Two Marriages

At its core, The Wanderers is a beautifully layered “Chinese puzzle box” of a play, as described by The Jerusalem Post. Ziegler’s script brings to life two seemingly disparate marriages: Esther and Schmuli, an Orthodox Jewish couple tethered to centuries-old traditions, and Sophie and Abe, a secular couple grappling with modern freedom and its pitfalls.

As Esther begins to test the boundaries of her faith and autonomy, Abe stumbles into a fateful correspondence with a Hollywood starlet—an encounter that shakes his marriage and career to their very foundations. Through humor, poignancy, and razor-sharp dialogue, Ziegler asks the ultimate question: Is personal truth worth the cost of disruption, love, and legacy?

Starring Christian Tannous, Sarah Sachi, Scott Searles, Nonie Hillard, and Samantha Walker, this dynamic cast brings the heart of The Wanderers to life, promising an emotionally resonant and unforgettable experience.

A Thriving Partnership Built on Storytelling

The partnership between Mildred’s Umbrella and the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC isn’t just an artistic alignment—it’s a testament to collaboration’s transformative power. What began as a reading series in 2019 blossomed into a creative alliance, with Jennifer Decker at the helm directing standout productions like Photograph 51 and Ghetto.

Mildred’s Umbrella, a company deeply committed to amplifying women’s voices in theater, thrives as a nomadic company finding unique spaces—and partners—to showcase bold works. Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural landscape, shares this commitment to meaningful storytelling, making The Wanderers a perfect choice for their joint mission.

Why You Can’t Miss This Production

From critical praise to Ziegler’s growing reputation as one of today’s most important playwrights, The Wanderers is more than just a play—it’s a mirror to our shared human experience. As The Washington Post aptly noted, Ziegler masterfully captures our chronic dissatisfaction and yearning with humor and compassion, leaving audiences pondering life’s big question: Am I happy?

For lovers of thought-provoking theater, The Wanderers is a must-see production that resonates deeply with Houston’s rich, diverse, and intellectually curious community.

Performance Details:
📅 Date: 2025 (Final dates TBD)
📍 Location: Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston
🎭 Tickets & More Information: Visit MildredsUmbrella.com

Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking collaboration and make plans to experience The Wanderers—a play that redefines connection, tradition, and the pursuit of happiness.