Awake and Sing
The saying goes, “Money is the root of all evil,” and this is certainly apropos to the plot of Clifford Odets’ memorable play, Awake and Sing playing at A Noise Within in Glendale. Taking place in the early ‘30’s, (the depression years) the lives of the Berger family, living in a cramped apartment in the Bronx, are destined to be destroyed by the almighty dollar.
Though love persists among the members of the family, too many dissident personalities under one crowded roof make for a great deal of tension. Bessie Berger (strongly played by Deborah Strang) is an overly domineering Jewish mother, while her timid husband Myron (Joel Swetow) quietly sits by as she lashes out against her adult children. Difficult to tell, but Bessie honestly believes she is doing what is best for her family members as she manipulates her pregnant daughter Hennie (Molloy Lelend ) into an unwanted marriage with Sam Feinschreiber (David Lengel) and tries to stifle the dreams of her son Ralph (Adam Silver). Fortunately, Ralph’s Grandfather Jacob (veteran actor Len Lesser) gives him the incentive to fulfill those dreams. Moe Axelrod (Daniel Reichert), a long time boarder in the Berger apartment who lost a leg in World War I, always had feelings for Hennie and still has. Even Uncle Morty (Alan Blumenfeld), Bessie’s well-to-do brother is feeling some of the strains of the depression and he and Bessie connive to deprive Ralph of a complete inheritance that is due him. Fortunately, it is Moe who saves the day, and what it all really comes down to is politics and money.
Awake and Sing was originally produced in 1935, and though some of the play is a bit outdated, it still holds true to today’s political and economic conditions. Hennie and Sam could have been characterized in more detail to allow the audience to develop a stronger feeling for them, but certainly all of the other personalities were made well-known. One other minor character was the building janitor Schlosser played by Alan Wasserman. Though the play is a serious one, it has its comic moments under the judicious direction of Andrew J. Traister. The scenic design is by Michael C. Smith, with costumes by Julie Keen, lighting by James P. Taylor. Plays through Sunday, May 23, 2010. One of Odets best and highly recommended.
A Noise Within
234 South Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA
Tickets and information on schedule of performances: (818) 240-0910 ext. 1,
www.ANoiseWithin.org