"Awake & Singing: 7 Classic Plays from the American Jewish Repertoire," edited by Ellen Schiff, is a superbly conceived and executed anthology. The 7 plays in this volume were produced between 1920 and 1960, and explore many facets of the Jewish-American experience. Love and loss, war, anti-Semitism, class conflict, political debate, legal quandaries, economic struggle, family relationships, theological questions: it's all here in 636 pages of electrifying theatrical genius. The plays are as follows:

"Welcome Stranger," by Aaron Hoffman: a comedy about a businessman's fight against anti-Semitism; features a particularly engaging hero. "Counsellor-at-Law," by Elmer Rice: a fast-moving play that takes place in the New York law offices of its main character. "Awake and Sing!", by Clifford Odets: The story of a working-class family in New York City; full of colorful syntax and expressions. "Morning Star," by Sylvia Regan: a very moving play that follows a New York City family over the course of two decades; historical events like the Triangle factory fire are skillfully woven into the story. "Home of the Brave," by Arthur Laurents: the story of a Jewish-American soldier and his unit in combat in the Pacific theater during World War II; features some really harrowing scenes. "The Cold Wind and the Warm," by S.N. Behrman: A story of love, loss, and friendship; biblical law plays a key plot point. And finally, "The Tenth Man," by Paddy Chayefsky: A story of supernatural possession that takes place entirely in an orthodox synagogue on Long Island; a marvelous blend of dark comedy and creepy horror.

I've never seen any of these plays performed. But for the most part, the plays in this volume make excellent reading texts. "Awake & Singing" is one of those great anthologies that I would recommend for classroom use, for reading groups, and for the individual reader. Especially recommended if you're interested in 20th century American drama or the Jewish-American experience.

A riveting story of control and destiny in old Hollywood. This play chronicles the darker side of the old star system, and the result of our hunger for celebrity scandals. When an old mistake comes back to haunt Charlie Castle, he has to decide if he will stand up to the system that could crush him, or allow the Hollywood machine to strip him of his last shred of honor. I highly recommend the film starring Jack Palance as a young and handsome Charlie Castle, and Rod Steiger as the studio exec that controls Charlies' life. Tense and brilliant!

If you are too young to have read SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS when it first came out, be sure to grab this re-issue. Then go re-rent the movie. A perfect way to spend a weekend.

Mr. Lehman may be best known for writing some of the greatest screenplays ever, from the original Sabrina, through West Side Story and North by Northwest, and of course, the film version of SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS.

The stories in this book remain as fresh, powerful and intriguing as they did 40 years ago. It's certainly a "must read" for those interested in the history of stage and screen. I remember distinctly several years ago haunting many dusty used book stores to find these stories. How terrific it is to have them together again!

There are many aspects of Odets' work that have not particularly aged well. Frankly because he consciously was writing to reflect contemporary (for the 1930's) American Society with an extreme and blatant Leftist leaning, much of his dialouge, characterization and politicising has dated. Yet these selections still contain powerful dramatic representations of life that illuminate a segment of society that literally was ignored by the media of the time.

It is arguable, but I think it's true that without Odets' dramatization of the plight of the common man, we wouldn't have witnessed the (admittidly more poetic and timeless) works of Miller, Inge and Williams. Odets, perhaps more than any other playwright of his time, placed "the little guy" in the center of the tragic form. As one reads these plays, one becomes aware that the rules are beginning to break right before the reader's eyes.

Odets' plays are, if one is able to check their political hat at the door, fine works of dramtic lit that prove most actable while also allowing a range of staging possibilities. His narratives are clean and direct in the sense that they give the characters a series of clear objectives and actions as well as conflicts to confront. This collection is a most welcome and necessary addition to any theatre library.

I loved reading Waiting For Lefty. I tried to liken it to another play or playwright, but I can't compare it to Tennessee Williams, Neil Simon, or even Moilere! I think the best way to get a taste for it is to get it for yourself. It's definitely worth your time!

He may not be quite as well known as Tennessee Williams or Arthur Miller, but Clifford Odets is one of the best American contemporary playwrights out there. "The Golden Boy" is clever and beautiful and should be read by anyone who appreciates true drama.