Prayer for the French Republic
Prayer for the French Republic - 2024 Broadway History , Info & More
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway)
261 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036
Winner of the 2022 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play, Joshua Harmon’s Prayer for the French Republic bursts onto Broadway after MTC’s highly acclaimed extended, sold-out Off-Broadway run. In 1944, a Jewish couple in Paris desperately awaits news of their missing family. More than 70 years later, the couple’s great-grandchildren find themselves facing the same question as their ancestors: "Are we safe?" This celebrated work by the author of Bad Jews and Significant Other is about history, home and the effects of an ancient hatred. The New York Times calls it "thought-provoking, heart-wrenching and wickedly funny." Directing is David Cromer, a Tony Award® winner for The Band's Visit.
Prayer for the French Republic - 2024 - Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Prayer for the French Republic
Review: ‘Prayer for the French Republic’ Is One of Broadway’s Best New Plays
8 / 10
Off Broadway, Patrick was played by the canny and empathetic actor Richard Topol. Currently, the part belongs to Anthony Edwards (of TV’s E.R.), who has a wry, befuddled quality that works in group scenes, but leaves him unfocused in monologues directed to the audience. Still, if Prayer’s frame has grown wobbly, the central story remains vibrant and confidently driven by three outstanding women from the original cast: the fierce-willed Aidem; Francis Benhamou as Marcelle’s brilliant but bipolar daughter, Elodie; and Molly Ranson as college-age Molly, an American cousin many times removed who’s spending a gap year France—while getting drawn into Benhamou drama.
‘Prayer for the French Republic’ Review: A Three-Hour Lesson in Recent History That Never Takes Flight
8 / 10
That’s not to say that “Prayer for the French Republic” should have been about something other than the story it tells. But it doesn’t tell it in a compelling or nuanced manner — despite Harmon having set himself up to succeed with a flashback story that could, but does not, provide real context and present-day interlocutors who could, but do not, push the Benhamous beyond platitudes. The debates the Benhamous are having are ones that are happening in our own republic — at dinner tables and in group chats, on Instagram and at protests. And in that way the play is right on time. But for all the capaciousness of the show’s story, what it’s ultimately trying to do is narrow: To explain a choice a group of characters make by proving that those opposed to it just aren’t being serious. It’s a case, it turns out, that takes three hours to conclusively prove.
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by Bruce Glikas - February 1, 2024
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre recently welcomed a couple of very special guests! Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who will produce Suffs on Broadway later this season, posed for a photo before the show.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 22, 2024
In this exclusive interview, Francis Benhamou shares her excitement and deep connection to 'Prayer for the French Republic' on Broadway. Learn about her personal journey, the significance of the role, and the talented cast and creative team behind the production.
by Stephi Wild - January 18, 2024
Manhattan Theatre Club has announced a final extension of the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Joshua Harmon (Bad Jews) and directed by David Cromer (The Band’s Visit), now running through Sunday, March 3.
by Nicole Rosky - January 17, 2024
BroadwayWorld was on the red carpet for opening night of Prayer for the French Republic to chat with special guests including Mare Winningham, LaChanze, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Donna Murphy, and more! Watch all of the interview in this video.
by Blair Ingenthron - January 13, 2024
Watch the new commercial for Prayer for the French Republic, now running at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, here!
by Nicole Rosky - January 13, 2024
In this video, watch as we take you inside opening night of Manhattan Theatre Club production of Prayer for the French Republic.
by Bruce Glikas - January 12, 2024
The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Prayer for the French Republic has officially opened on Broadway! Get an exclusive look inside the opening night after party in the photos!
by Stephi Wild - January 17, 2024
As part of our Words From the Wings series, we're chatting with Ethan Haberfield who is currently in Prayer For the French Republic. Ethan told us all about his backstage must-haves, favorite moments, and more!
by Bruce Glikas - January 10, 2024
The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Prayer for the French Republic has officially opened on Broadway! The play opened last night, January 9, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. BroadwayWorld is taking you on the red carpet at the production's opening with Donna Murphy, Tyne Daly, LaChanze and more. Check out photos below!
by Bruce Glikas - January 10, 2024
The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Prayer for the French Republic has officially opened on Broadway! The play opened last night, January 9, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. BroadwayWorld is taking you on the red carpet at the production's opening. Check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - January 10, 2024
The Broadway premiere of Prayer For the French Republic is open now! The Manhattan Theatre Club production officially opened last night, January 9, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there, and you can check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows here!
by A.A. Cristi - January 9, 2024
The critics stopped by the Manhattan Theatre Club Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic and the reviews are in! See what the critics had to say!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 9, 2024
Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic. Get a first look at footage and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 5, 2024
Get a first look at the Broadway production of Manhattan Theatre Club's Prayer for the French Republic.
by Nicole Rosky - December 28, 2023
In this video, watch as the cast of Prayer for the French Republic on Broadway unpacks their roles!
by Stephi Wild - December 18, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club has announced that the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, will extend its run by two weeks.
by Jennifer Broski - December 7, 2023
Rehearsals are underway for the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer. Check out photos of the new Broadway marquee!
by Nicole Rosky - December 10, 2023
Rehearsals are underway for the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer. In this video, watch as we meet the cast!
by Bruce Glikas - December 2, 2023
The cast of the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre met the press this week, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture the event. Check out the photos here!
by Stephi Wild - December 19, 2023
The Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, begins performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre tonight, Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Meet the cast of Prayer for the French Republic here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 13, 2023
The complete cast has been revealed for the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Stephi Wild - September 13, 2023
Tickets are now on sale for the Broadway premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, written by Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Harmon and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer. Learn more about the production and find out how to get tickets here!
Prayer for the French Republic FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Prayer for the French Republic History
Other Productions of Prayer for the French Republic
| 2022 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
| 2024 | Broadway |
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Prayer for the French Republic - 2024 Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Betsy Aidem |
| 2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Play | Prayer for the French Republic |
| 2024 | Tony Awards | Best Lighting Design of a Play | Amith Chandrashaker |
| 2024 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | Betsy Aidem |
| 2024 | Tony Awards | Best Play | Joshua Harmon |
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