British-Czech playwright has six Tony Awards for writing the Best Play on Broadway. This June should come his 7th statue, and maybe even a Pulitzer Prize.
I went back last week to see again his real masterwork, “Leopoldstadt.” The Longacre Theater was full, which was good since this production set to close in July. Frankly, it should run forever.
This time, a few standbys were in the cast. Plus Josh Malina, of “West Wing” fame, is now playing the key role of Herman, originally played by David Krumholtz.
But the original players are still there mostly including Brandon Uranowitz, Betsy Aidem, Jenna Augen, and the amazing Faye Castelow. Actually, the whole cast is amazing as this Jewish family in Vienna begins at the end of the 19th century feeling that they’ve made it financially and socially. They even have a Christmas tree so it looks like they fit in. One member has become a Catholic. Another has married a non Jew. This group of the family has convinced themselves they are Austrian above anything else, guaranteeing them assimilation and success.
Of course, they couldn’t be more wrong. Over the next two hours and ten minutes their lives will be destroyed, devastatingly and they would say — unexpectedly. But the writing has been on the wall. They’ve just refused to see it.
“Leopoldstadt” is a historical tale but it’s also a warning for Jews in 2023. That’s why it resonates so loudly and cuts so deeply. Antisemitism all over the world has increased tremendously. Even in New York, where people feel safe, the threat always looms. Are we ignoring the writing on the wall? I know plenty of people who feel like the family on this stage, wrapped in their own success, ignoring the signs around them. This is why when the “Leopoldstadt” comes to its close there’s a lot of sniffling in the audience. Every immigrant can identify with this experience.
You have until July 2nd to see this play. Don’t miss it.
