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New Jewish Theatre (NJT) presents the St. Louis premiere of Prayer for the French Republic, the acclaimed play by Tony Award–nominated playwright Joshua Harmon. Running April 16 through May 3, 2026, at the Wool Studio Theatre, the powerful     drama explores questions of safety, identity, and belonging across generations of a French-Jewish family.

Set in Paris, the play begins in 1944, when a Jewish couple anxiously awaits news of missing family members during World War II. More than 70 years later, their great-grandchildren confront a hauntingly familiar question: Are we safe? Spanning five generations and over 70 years of history, Prayer for the French Republic offers a sweeping exploration of home, heritage, and the enduring impact of antisemitism.

A major theatrical success, Prayer for the French Republic received three nominations at the 78th Tony Awards, including Best Play. The production also won Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards and the Outstanding Off-Broadway Play honor from the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

The production is directed by NJT Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet, fresh off her celebrated staging of Cabaret, which earned 13 nominations from the St. Louis Theater Circle, including Outstanding Director of a Musical for Scallet. It also marks the return of Founding Artistic Director Kathleen Sitzer to the NJT stage in the role of Irma, the family matriarch.

 Prayer for the French Republic runs at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre (2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146), April 16 through May 3. Performances are on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Show times and tickets are available by phone at 314.442.3283 or online at jccstl.com/njt.

Lead cast members for NTJ premiere  at Wool Studio

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