Theater News

Jodie Whittaker Joins Stockard Channing in Almeida’s Awake and Sing!

Stockard Channing
(© Joseph Marzullo/Retna)
Stockard Channing
(© Joseph Marzullo/Retna)

Jodie Whittaker, who starred opposite Peter O’Toole in the film Venus, will play the role of Hennie Berger in Michael Attenborough’s production of Clifford Odets’ classic drama, Awake and Sing!, which will play the Almeida Theatre, August 31-October 20, with an official opening slated for September 6.

As previously announced, Tony Award winner Stockard Channing will play the role of Bessie Berger. The cast will also feature Trevor Cooper (Morty), Kieron Jecchnis (Schlosser), Paul Jesson (Myron), Nigel Lindsay (Moe), John Lloyd Fillingham (Sam), John Rogan (Jacob), and Ben Turner (Ralph). The creative team will feature Tim Shortall (sets and costumes), Paul Pyant (lighting), and John Leonard (sound).

The play focuses on a Depression-era Jewish family in New York City, where the dreams and hopes of three generations living under the same roof clash. The show premiered on Broadway in 1935 and its 2006 revival by Lincoln Center Theatre won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

In other Almeida news, Caryl Churchill’s Cloud Nine will play October 25-December 8. The production, which will open officially on October 31, will be directed by Thea Sharrock, who helmed the recent revival of Equus.