Janeane Garofalo and russian transport, Comedienne Janeane Garofalo will be making her Broadway debut today (30th of January 2012) when she appears on the Erika Sheffer-written play Russian Transport.

Garofalo will be playing the role of Diana, a Russian Jewish immigrant struggling with her husband to live the American dream. The production which will be directed by Scott Elliot will have Daniel Orekes playing the role of Misha, Diana’s husband.

The production is about the couple and their two teenage children, Alex and Mira. It chronicles their struggle to grow their car service business in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. The family will be unsettled by the arrival of Diana’s brother Boris who seems to be having negative influence of the children.

Garofalo spoke about her reaction when she has first approached to play the role. She told Our Town Downtown that, “Initially, I passed,” she said. “I thought I couldn’t do it, play a Russian immigrant mom who is running a business. I didn’t think I could vacillate between the English with the Russian accent and the Russian dialogue. I met Scott to tell him this and by the end of lunch I had agreed to do it. He talked me into it, but he is one of the greatest directors I have ever worked with. He says all the right things all of the time.”

Garofalo is well known as comedian and political activist but this is the first time that she will be seen as a Broadway star. The production will open on Monday.