Following the initial run, hundreds of theatre groups requested the rights to perform the piece. The play resonated with both the general public and the artistic community. Its simple staging allowed it to become an affordable and popular production for union halls and small theatres across the country. The play resulted in widespread praise and recognition for Odets. Such was Odets' fame that his next play produced, "Awake and Sing!", was billed as a piece "by the author of "Waiting for Lefty" ".