Live Performances

Ovations Offstage, School-Time Performances

In School Performance Opportunity

Russell Kaback: 25044 – A Jewish Grandson’s Musical History of the Holocaust

Suggested for Grades 5 - 12


February 1 - May 2, 2025


Performance Request
Maine-based artist and educator, Russell Kaback tells a true story based on the life of his grandfather Szyjek Magier (SHEE-yek MAG-er), a Jewish Polish teenager survived four years in Nazi labor and concentration camps during World War II in this poignant one-man musical. Presented in Kaback’s unique theatrical storytelling style weaving together original songs, guitar, characters, sound effects and gestures, the piece incorporates personal interviews, testimonies, in-depth research and imagination. Russell Kaback’s 25044 invites the audience to consider the experience of one young man’s journey, reminding us that life and hope can endure.
 

SHOW TIMES

Available to book for a performance in your school February 1 – May 2, 2025

BOX OFFICE

Email offstage@portlandovations.org for information on scheduling and performance fee.

Requests must be made by April 26, 2025.

RUN TIME

60 minute performance
15 minute post-performance Q&A (optional)

ACCESSIBILITY

ASL Interpretation provided upon request.

WORKSHOPS

Pre and post-performance workshops are available. Please email offstage@portlandovations.org for more information.

ABOUT RUSSELL KABACK

Russell Kaback (rhymes with ‘playback’) is a writer, singer, guitarist, performer, and educator. He was born in St. Louis, raised in Montreal, and currently lives in Maine.  His full-bodied performances feature his strong and nuanced voice, and his agile and surprising guitar playing – all in service of carrying his truthful and solidly-built lyrics.  His renditions of tunes by such influences as Sam Cooke, Talking Heads, and Katy Perry make sense in the mix with his own acoustic soul originals.  Since first playing out in 1988, he has taken the stage alongside Regina Spektor, Caribbean folk-reggae legend Bankie Banx, and Raul Midon.  Russell is currently performing in support of his new single, “What A Life This Is”, an uplifting and life-affirming soulful pop song. 

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