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New York Stages a 1935 Comeback for Playwright Odets
2 Nov
Summary
- Two seminal Odets plays, 'Waiting for Lefty' and 'Awake and Sing!', are revived.
- Revivals mark a rare theatrical event, mirroring Odets's 1935 success.
- Actors are drawn to Odets's powerful dialogue and dramatic urgency.
Playwright Clifford Odets is experiencing a remarkable theatrical resurgence in New York, reminiscent of his own breakout year in 1935. Currently, a revival of his agitprop play 'Waiting for Lefty' is running through November 29th at Classic Stage Company, directed by Steven Pasquale.
Adding to this theatrical echo, Manhattan Theater Club will stage Odets's Broadway breakthrough, 'Awake and Sing!', beginning December 15th. This simultaneous staging of two major works mirrors Odets's 1935 triumph when both plays first captured public attention.
Actors have consistently been drawn to Odets's powerful dialogue, described as a blend of streetwise language and Old Testament poetry. This enduring appeal is evident in the stellar casts of past productions, including Al Pacino, Frances McDormand, and Mark Ruffalo.
Meanwhile, in London, Josh O'Connor recently concluded a lauded run as Joe Bonaparte in Odets's 1937 masterpiece, 'Golden Boy.' The filmed production will be accessible through the National Theater Live platform starting November 5th. This renewed interest underscores Odets's lasting influence on theatrical performance.
