Abra Wakes Up

by Annie Dinerman

This fictional story takes place in 1976 on New York’s Upper West Side. Flashback scenes take place on New York's Lower East Side (early 1920's), in Hollywood (1930's), and other locations as noted. Dream Scenes take place on an imaginary 1930’s Hollywood soundstage. Sets and costumes are minimal.

Abra Anshel was born into a prominent Yiddish theatre family. When her husband became a film star, he forbade her...

This fictional story takes place in 1976 on New York’s Upper West Side. Flashback scenes take place on New York's Lower East Side (early 1920's), in Hollywood (1930's), and other locations as noted. Dream Scenes take place on an imaginary 1930’s Hollywood soundstage. Sets and costumes are minimal.

Abra Anshel was born into a prominent Yiddish theatre family. When her husband became a film star, he forbade her to act. All of Abra’s talent was put utilized for her husband’s successful career but she received no recognition. Decades later Abra, now a wealthy widow, reluctantly allows Brice Lapin, a pushy, young actor, to talk her into coaching him for a Broadway audition. Brice’s conniving agent pressures Abra to open a door for Brice. The two men are caught by surprise when Abra uses her talent and grit to open the door for herself.

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Abra Wakes Up

Recommended by

  • Mildred Inez Lewis: Abra Wakes Up by Annie Dinerman
    “

    This beautifully captures a world I immediately recognized as someone who grew up on the west side. This is just lovely, lovely work. Inventive overlap between theater and screen.

    This beautifully captures a world I immediately recognized as someone who grew up on the west side. This is just lovely, lovely work. Inventive overlap between theater and screen.

    ”

Character Information

Three leads - one woman, two men
Six supporting male characters played by one or two actors (may understudy the male lead)
Nine supporting characters played by one actress
  • Abra Anshel
    A retired actress, granddaughter of famous star of the Yiddish stage, and the widow of 1930s Hollywood star David Anshel. Discerning, creative, with a dry wit; direct and opinionated, doesn’t defer to men.
    Mainly 72. In flashbacks, 20’s, 30’s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Brice Lapin
    A talented but frustrated young actor whose agent keeps him doing lucrative voice over work. He wasnt to be a stage actor. Jewish, cute, single; intense, vulnerable, ambitious, charming.
    22
    Jewish -- Ashkenazi
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • David Anshel
    Well-known film actor who played many famous men in historical costume dramas. His career began in Yiddish theatre. Born in Poland. Passionate while acting, guarded in personal situations; a born charmer, sometimes arrogant; ambitious, brilliant, manipulative, magnetic, attractive. A shapeshifter.
    24, 30’s, 76
    Jewish -- Ashkenazi
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Jack McBain
    Brice Lapin’s agent. Comes from working-class London or Irish stock, mainly self-educated, was good-looking in his youth, a snappy dresser. A user with no regrets, his main desire is to live and die a very rich man.

    Suggested casting: One actor plays Jack, Manuel, Yannick and Moishe.
    65-75
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Manuel
    A career waiter at The Abby Singer. Personable, accommodating, efficient.

    Suggested casting: One actor plays Jack, Manuel, Yannick and Moishe.
    40
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Yannik
    A renowned, European born film director.

    Suggested casting: One actor plays Jack, Manuel, Yannick and Moishe.
    30s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Moishe Goodman
    European-born Yiddish Theatre director. Jewish, reliable, polite, hard-working, successful.

    Suggested casting: One actor plays Jack, Manuel, Yannick and Moishe.
    30s
    Jewish
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Ruth
    Ruth is an Attractive, pleasant, Jewish New York accent with a hint of a Yiddish lilt. Ruth grew up speaking Yiddish at home. NYU acting student who plays classical roles, and on the side she plays ingenues in Yiddish plays with the Goldfaden Grupe.

    NOTE: One actress plays every female role except Abra. Plus Yankel, a dog, barking offstage.
    19
    Jewish -- Ashkenazi
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Malke
    Abra’s aunt. Smart, caring, no-nonsense. Actress, playwright in a Yiddish theater family.
    40s
    Jewish -- Ashkenazi
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Actress
    ageless, alluring, flirtatious, graceful, with an unplaceable Nordic accent.
    30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Miriam
    Executive Secretary to Jack McBain. Jewish New Yorker. She adores meeting Jack’s famous clients. Resourceful.
    35
    Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Elaine Cohen
    Abra’s agent from William Morris Agency, a real go-getter and expert networker. Also an Entertainment attorney.
    29
    Jewish
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Manicurist
    Expensive, attractive, a cupcake with brains. Mime with some physical comedy.
    23
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Melody O’Brien
    Assistant to the Casting Director. Efficient, confident, upbeat and appealing. A Feminist.
    24
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Yankel
    a small terrier (Barking. Offstage, Scene II.5)
    1 times 7
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Private - Table Read, 2024
  • Reading, Naked Angels Tuesdays@9, 2020 - three cold readings of excerpts