Big Famous — The Polka Ponzi Musical
A Benefit for The Directors Company
The most ambitious polka star you've never heard of… until now. A high-energy, satirical new musical based on the unbelievable true story of Jan Lewan.
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Kaminski · Book, Music & Lyrics by Nicholas Kaminski
When
Mon, Oct 26, 2026
Doors 6 PM · Show 7 PM
Where
Warsaw
261 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Running Time
2 hrs 15 min
With one intermission
From the First Polka to the Last
Meet Jan Lewan — the most ambitious polka star you've never heard of… until now. BIG FAMOUS is a high-energy, satirical new musical based on the unbelievable true story of a Polish immigrant who turned his accordion-fueled dreams into a glittering empire — by any means necessary.
With boundless charm, a big heart, and even bigger schemes, Jan builds a polka dynasty that stretches from Pennsylvania's Polish halls to the casinos of Atlantic City and beyond. But when the money stops flowing and the walls start closing in, will he con his way out of trouble?
Featuring a wildly infectious polka score, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a story so absurd it has to be true, BIG FAMOUS is a rollicking tale of music, ambition, and the American Dream gone spectacularly off the rails.
See It Come Alive
A taste of the polka, the schemes, and the sparkle
“BIG FAMOUS is both an immigrant story and an exploration of identity in the face of an entertainment industry that demands conformity. It's also a show with heart, written by the people who lived it.”
Nicholas Kaminski
Co-Creator
“It tells the compelling story of the pursuit of the American Dream, only to have it go so very wrong. A story filled with laughter, choices, greed, tragedy, and, most of all, music!”
Stephen Kaminski
Co-Creator · Grammy Award Nominee
“A polka Ponzi scheme? I was intrigued by this story from the moment I read it. I'm excited to tell this clever, heartfelt, and deeply entertaining story about an unconventional anti-hero.”
Rachel Klein
Director
The Company
Starring a dynamic ensemble of Broadway veterans
Aaron Ramey
as Jan Lewan
Young Frankenstein, The Bridges of Madison County, The Visit
Dominique Scott
as Pally Pulaski
Rock & Roll Man
Lisa Helmi Johanson
as Rhoda Jeleski
POTUS, Drag: The Musical
Leenya Rideout
as Zosia Brzeczyszczykiewicz
War Horse, Company
Brian Russell Carey
as Vick
Cabaret
And More
Devon Meddock, Tina Stafford, Avery Whitted, Louis Jannuzzi III, Andy Paterson, and Laura Elizabeth Flanagan
Music Director — Larry Pressgrove
Associate Direction — Josh Zacher
Production Stage Manager — Morgan Holbrook
Assistant Stage Manager — Kelly Merritt
Casting — Stephanie Klapper
Marketing & Publicity — Katie Rosin / Kampfire PR
With Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
Mrs. T's Pierogies
Proud sponsor of BIG FAMOUS. Because no polka-hall dream is complete without a plate of golden, pan-fried pierogies — try all the delicious varieties tonight.