The famous American immigrants who gifted our country with “White Christmas,” the Pulitzer Prize and Carnegie Hall come alive in a new musical premiering in the Capital Region. “They Made It Here” is the story of a brilliant young musician, Frank, born in the United States who finds himself alone after his parents are deported. Feeling abandoned, he withdraws from friends and his musical life.  Two famous guardian angels, who struggled as immigrants before becoming successful, pay him a visit. They take Frank on a journey to re-ignite his life and dreams.

The stories of Irving Berlin, who escaped the Russian pogroms to become one of America’s greatest songwriters, and Joseph Pulitzer who came from Hungary and set the gold standard for U.S. investigative reporting, are brought to life. The tender subject of parental loss to children is balanced with humor and drama. With an original score and live music that blends ethnic, rap and Broadway sounds, the play delivers a timeless message about changing loss into hope by believing in yourself.

Tickets $20.

Benefit Performance for Refugee Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE). www.RISSE-Albany.org