Douglaston Community Theater to Present 'Awake and Sing'

The Douglaston Community Theater will debut its winter production – “Awake and Sing” - at on Feb. 24.

The play, which was written in the 1930s by Clifford Odets, tells the tale of a Jewish family struggling to survive in the Bronx during the Depression.

“The play has wonderful dramatic moments as well as some great dark humor,” said Teresa Zugger, who is directing the play for the Douglaston Community Theater. “The characters range from funny, edgy, crazy and driven to sympathetic and brutally honest.”

Zugger said the play, although written in the 1930s, is relevant amid the economic downturn of the past few years.

“It’s amazingly resonant today with Americans coping with pay cuts, job layoffs, economic upheaval and war vets transitioning back into civilian life,” she said. “There’s even a discussion in the play about the distribution of wealth, echoing the recent Wall Street protests.”

In 2006, a Broadway revival of the play was nominated for seven Today Awards and won “Best Revival.”

Performances at Zion Episcopal Church, located at 243-01 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston, will begin Feb. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m.

Additional evening shows will perform on March 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. Matinees include Feb. 26 and March 3 at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students with ID.

Call 718-482-3332 to make reservations. Tickets will also be available at the door.