Review: New Jewish Theatre Presents Marvelous Production of AWAKE AND SING!

Though playwright Clifford Odets wrote Awake and Sing! in 1933, it still has the power to resonate with an audience over 70 years later, not only due to the fact that our country is currently struggling with its own economic uncertainties, but also because the theme of pursuing your dream under undeniably dire circumstance is a timeless one. Revived in 2006, but rarely staged otherwise, this is a rare opportunity to see an American masterpiece. The New Jewish Theatre's current production is a real stunner, chock-full of drama and humor, and brimming with electric performances.

The Bergers are an extended family in the Bronx who are struggling to survive during the Great Depression. Their children, Ralph and Hennie, are entering adulthood and are beginning to show concerted interest in pursuing their own goals in life, but they find themselves being stifled by their parents, particularly their controlling mother, Bessie. When Hennie's pregnancy, the result of a tryst with a man who's skipped town and used an alias, threatens their stability, it's decided she will marry someone who will benefit the family monetarily. At the same time, Ralph is angst-ridden over his love affair with an orphaned girl. His mother disapproves, naturally, and does whatever she can to derail what she views as an unproductive relationship.

Bobby Miller is a joy to watch as Jacob, the grandfather, and his character's beliefs, along with Miller's exceptional work, firmly anchors this production, and gives it heart. Aaron Orion Baker is marvelous as Ralph, displaying a passion for life that will not be dampened by anyone's overbearing behavior. Julie Layton is also strong as his sister, Hennie, defiant by nature, but compliant with the wishes of her family, at least, to a point.

Elizabeth Ann Townsend is frighteningly good as Bessie, firing off her opinions and shooting down dreams with reckless abandon. Townsend finds the desperation at the heart of the embittered Bessie and plays it for all its worth. It's a cruelly inspired performance. Gary Wayne Baker is terrific as Bessie's failure of a husband, Myron. Baker skillfully portrays this milksop, subjugating himself to his wife's will, but subtly letting you see him die a little each time he does. Jerry Vogel rounds out the immediate family as Uncle Morty, who seems friendly enough on the outside, but who possesses the same selfish and stubborn qualities that taint his sister Bessie's moral character.

Jason Cannon brings a world weary quality to his role as boarder Moe Axelrod, a war veteran and petty criminal, that suits it perfectly. Moe has a yen for Hennie, and the sparks that always crop up between them when they're together are a sure indicator that something is definitely brewing there. Jordan Reinwald does effective work as Sam Feinschrieber, the poor schmuck who winds up married to Hennie, and Terry Meddows adds depth to the cast in the small role of Schlosser, the apartment building's janitor.

Steven Woolf's direction is sensitive and thoughtful, and he's assembled a wonderful cast that makes the most of every moment, whether it's dramatic or humorous in nature. Woolf is aided in his efforts by Scott C. Neale's fabulous scenic design, which faithfully recreates a period apartment. Hans Fredrickson's lighting heightens the drama to good effect, and Garth Dunbar's costumes fit the era and characters in fine fashion.

The New Jewish Theatre continues their stellar season with a triumphant production of Awake and Sing!, and this presentation continues through May 8, 2011. This is theatre at its finest, and the chance to see a splendid cast bring an American classic to life is not one to be missed.