NEW YORK—The need to be a part of something greater than oneself, no matter who it may hurt is at the heart of the Sally Carson’s quiet yet powerful drama “Crooked Cross.” First performed in London in 1935, Carson adapted the work from her 1934 novel of the same name. The current production, presented by the Mint Theater Company at Theatre Row and ably directed by Jonathan Bank, marks the first time the play has been seen onstage in almost 90 years.
It’s Christmas Eve in 1932 Germany, and the Kluger and Weissman families are celebrating the holiday together. It’s a time of joy for all, especially as Lexa Kluger (Ella Stevens), the family’s only daughter and something of a freethinker, is happily engaged to Moritz Weissman (Samuel Adams), a young doctor. Moritz takes care of his aged father (Douglas Rees), a former professor and recent widower. Looking towards the future with hopes of perhaps finally finding fulfilling employment are Lexa’s brothers Erich (Jakob Winter) and Helmy (Gavin Michaels).
