'Prayer for the French Republic' sets initial Broadway casting
Joshua Harmon's play debuted off Broadway in 2021 under David Cromer's direction, and five cast members from that production return for the Broadway premiere.
UPDATE: The completed Prayer for the French Republic Broadway cast also includes Ethan Haberfield, Richard Masur, Nael Nacer, and Daniel Oreskes.
Here's the cast of the French Republic! Manhattan Theatre Club has set initial casting for the Broadway premiere of Joshua Harmon's Prayer for the French Republic. Performances begin at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on December 19 ahead of a January 9 opening.
Prayer for the French Republic debuted with MTC off Broadway in 2021 to critical acclaim. Five cast members of that production return for the Broadway premiere: Betsy Aidem, Ari Brand, Molly Ranson, Nancy Robinette, and Francis Benhamou, who won the 2022 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for her performance.
They are joined by Emmy Award nominee Anthony Edwards (ER) and Aria Shahghasemi. Additional cast and creative team members have yet to be announced.
Prayer for the French Republic follows one French Jewish family over the course of multiple generations. During World War II, a couple waits for news of their missing family members, and 70 years later, their great-grandchildren wonder about their own safety. As with the Off-Broadway production, David Cromer directs.
Photo credit: Francis Benhamou, Anthony Edwards, Betsy Aidem, Aria Shahghasemi, Nancy Robinette, Molly Ranson, and Ari Brand. (Photos courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Prayer for the French Republic about?
Award-winning playwright Joshua Harmon expertly explores five generations' worth of family history in one epic play. A Jewish family in World War II-era France wonders about their safety, and 75 years later, their descendants ask the same questions.
Where is Prayer for the French Republic playing?
Prayer for the French Republic is playing at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The theatre is located at 261 West 47th Street, New York, 10036.
How long is Prayer for the French Republic?
The running time of Prayer for the French Republic is 3h (incl. two 10m intermissions)
What's the age requirement for Prayer for the French Republic?
The recommended age for Prayer for the French Republic is 12+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for Prayer for the French Republic?
Book tickets for Prayer for the French Republic on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Prayer for the French Republic?
Joshua Harmon is the playwright of Prayer for the French Republic. His other well-known works include the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning Admissions, Bad Jews, Skintight, and the musical The Bedwetter, which he wrote with Sarah Silverman.
Who directed Prayer for the French Republic?
David Cromer directs Prayer for the French Republic on Broadway after he did so off Broadway in 2021. He won a 2018 Tony Award for directing the Best Musical winner The Band's Visit.
Is Prayer for the French Republic appropriate for kids?
Prayer for the French Republic is recommended for audiences 14 and older. The play contains strong language and distressing topics such as violence, anti-Semitism, and the Holocaust. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is Prayer for the French Republic good?
Prayer for the French Republic is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide, with our four-star review of the play's Off-Broadway premiere hailing it as "a breathtaking work that skillfully balances the humanity of its characters with sprawling history." With the same director and much of the same cast, the Broadway production promises to be just as moving.
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