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‘Prayer for the French Republic’ at Actor’s Express Through May 14

2023 April 30
by Susan Asher

Prayer for the French Republic by multi-award-winning playwright Joshua Harmon (Bad Jews/Skintight) at Actor’s Express is “not one to miss,” according to Broadway World, Atlanta.  And I look forward to seeing it this weekend.

On the eve of the 2016 French presidential elections, a Parisian doctor fears for the safety of her family amid the rise of antisemitism in France. As she considers relocating to Israel, we flashback to her great-grandparents anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones who have recently been liberated from the concentration camps. Making its regional debut, this emotionally rich family saga introduces us to five generations of a Jewish family yearning for the safety of home in this award-winning landmark play about Jewish identity and navigating antisemitism in today’s world.

Prayer for the French Republic was a hit in its January 2022 World Premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club, winning the 2022 Drama Desk Award for Best Play and the 2022 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play. The New York Stage Review raved, “FIVE STARS! A brave, articulate, and necessary new play.” The New York Theatre Guide called Prayer for the French Republic, “A breathtaking work that skillfully balances the humanity of its characters with sprawling history.”

This ensemble cast features Carolyn Cook, Ross Benjamin, Jared Simon, Susan Shalhoub Larkin, Barry Stoltze and Aliya Rose Kraar, Clayton Landey, Shaun Maclean, Faina Khibkin, Israeli-American actor Adire Lev Mann, and Jacob Sherman.

Joe Alterman (Neranenah Jewish Music Festival) composed original music for the production. Other creative members include Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay (Scenic Design), Jen J. Madison (Costume Design), Joseph P. Monaghan III (Lighting Design), Kate Hoang, (Sound Design), Nick Battaglia (Props Design and Set Decoration) and Amy Levin (Dramaturg).

Performances run Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM.

Purchase tickets online at actors-express.com or by calling 404-607-7469.

Group pricing is available. For info, email ti*****@ac***********.com.

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