Micaela Diamond and Will Pullen Join 'Awake And Sing!' Revival

Micaela Diamond and Will Pullen have been cast in Manhattan Theatre Club's upcoming Broadway revival of Clifford Odets' seminal 1935 American drama, 'Awake and Sing!'. Micaela Diamond, known for her roles in Broadway's 'Parade' and the television series 'Grotesquerie', and Will Pullen, who appeared in Broadway's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and Netflix's 'The Unforgivable', will join the previously announced cast members Danny Burstein, Jessica Hecht, and Jeremy Shamos.

'Awake and Sing!' is a significant work in American theatre, first produced on Broadway in 1935. The play is set during the Great Depression and explores the struggles of the Berger family, a working-class Jewish family living in the Bronx. It delves into themes of economic hardship, generational conflict, disillusionment, and the search for personal fulfillment and dignity amidst societal pressures. Odets, a prominent playwright of the Group Theatre, was known for his socially conscious dramas that often depicted the lives of ordinary Americans facing immense challenges.

The Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing new and established theatrical works on Broadway and Off-Broadway. MTC has a long history of staging critically acclaimed productions and nurturing new playwrights and actors. Their commitment to revivals often brings classic American plays to contemporary audiences, offering fresh interpretations of enduring stories. The inclusion of Diamond and Pullen, both recognized for their stage and screen work, suggests a casting approach that balances established talent with emerging performers.

Danny Burstein, a multiple Tony Award nominee, and Jessica Hecht, an Emmy nominee, bring considerable Broadway experience to the production. Jeremy Shamos, also a respected stage actor, further solidifies the ensemble. The addition of Diamond and Pullen to this group indicates a deliberate effort to assemble a robust cast capable of conveying the complex emotional and social dynamics inherent in Odets' script. The revival is expected to highlight the play's continued relevance in addressing themes of family, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness in challenging economic times. Further casting and production details are anticipated as the engagement approaches its opening.

Clifford Odets' 'Awake and Sing!' remains a cornerstone of American dramatic literature, celebrated for its realistic portrayal of working-class life and its powerful exploration of the American Dream. The play's enduring appeal lies in its authentic dialogue and its unflinching examination of the human spirit's resilience. This revival by Manhattan Theatre Club aims to introduce this classic to a new generation of theatergoers while offering seasoned patrons an opportunity to revisit a beloved work.