Awake and Sing

Reviews

NAATCO’s production easily makes the point that ethnicity is transcended by the humanity of frightened, imperfect people facing unpleasant realities. Theatergoers deserve to hear great plays as they were originally performed, especially in productions like this.

(Anita Gates: New York Times)

Awake and Sing! is especially fresh in the new revival from National Asian American Theatre Company at Walkerspace, directed with precise raucousness by Stephen Fried. Jon Norman Schneider, is a guileless marvel…Teresa Avia Lim is terrifically moving.

(Alan Scherstuhl: Village Voice)

Awake and Sing! allows for some truly fine ensemble work. Alok Tewari is quite touching as the Marxist grandfather Jacob. His frustrated grandchildren [are] played with impassioned conviction by Jon Norman Schneider and Teresa Avia Lim. Sanjit De Silva is rock solid as Moe Axelrod, the renegade border who helps them to cut their familial bonds. And Mia Katigbak is masterful, evoking Bessie as both a villain and tragic figure.

(NY1 On Stage)

The all-Asian cast gives splendid performances as the Jewish clan, a conceit that lends additional insight into the general themes of poverty, class, and pride, resulting in a more universal scope. This production of Awake and Sing! is very rich indeed.

(This Week in New York)

Odets’ Depression-era drama may be old-fashioned, but it’s moving, and it still feels relevant. Under the direction of Stephen Fried, the performances are strong.

(The New Yorker)