[NEohioPAL]Berko review: THE PRICE (Ensemble)

[Roy Berko]

‘THE PRICE’ is right at Ensemble!

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

Arthur Miller, author of ‘THE PRICE’ now on stage at
Ensemble Theatre,  is one of the greatest of American
playwrights.  In his scripts, he asks, “Is this the
best way to live?”   He is a moralist, who holds
humanity up to the highest standards.  This philosophy
is woven into such classics as ‘DEATH OF A SALESMAN,’
‘ALL MY SONS,’ ‘THE CRUCIBLE,’ and ‘THE PRICE.’

‘THE PRICE’ takes place in the 1960’s in a cramped top
floor of a Manhattan  brownstone that is going to be
demolished.  The attic holds the used furniture of a
once wealthy family.   Victor, a middle–aged policeman
near retirement, awaits the arrival of an agent to
give him a price for the attic’s contents. The room is
filled with memories.  Memories of the 1929 Wall
Street crash when the family’s money disappeared, of
spending most of his youth caring for a father who
gave his love to Victor’s oldest brother who had
basically abandoned the man in his time of need.  Into
this setting comes Solomon, a 89-year old semi–retired
dealer.  He offers Victor a price which is accepted
just as Vic’s brother returns, supposedly not to
interfere, but to attempt to heal a sixteen-year rift.


Questions abound.  Queries about power, the purpose of
life, ethical responsibility, how decisions are made,
and what people do to physically and emotionally
survive.  Paramount is the question, “What price do we
pay for the decisions we make?”.

Ensemble’s production, under the adept direction of
the crowned queen of local theatre, Dorothy Silver, is
superb.  The message is clearly revealed.  The pacing
is right.  The performances on target.  This is
theatre at its finest, molded by a directing magician.

Charles Kartali as Victor, the brother who, in his
thinking, made the “ethical” decision to give up his
personal desires in order to be the “good” son, walks
a fine line between being a martyr and a hero with the
ability of a high-wire professional.  He never crosses
into the melodramatic, though that would have been
very easy to do.  His angst, his moral indignation,
his certainty over his lack of certainty, is readily
apparent.  This is a fine, fine performance.

Reuben Silver, the elder statesman of Cleveland
theatre, creates a fascinating character as Solomon,
the used furniture dealer who must decide what price
he must pay to continue to live his life in a
productive manner.  He imbues the character with
mirth, emotional torture and reality.  We feel sorry
for him, while we admire his ability to go forward. 
Wow!

Maryann Elder, who portrays Victor’s frustrated wife,
a woman torn between her desire for the better life
she wants and loyalty to her husband, creates a clear
characterization.  

Joel Hammer as Walter, Victor’s brother, is believable
and real.   Do we accept his tale of why he abandoned
the family?  Do we accept that he is a “changed man”
due to an awaking that came as a result of nervous
breakdown?  Again, the performance walks a fine line
between drama and melodrama, with success.

Ron Newell’s set is amazing.  There is more junk on
stage then one could imagine.  Where oh where did he
unearth all the furniture and kitsch that totally
populates the space?

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  Kudos to director Dorothy Silver
and her amazing cast for a highlight production.  This
is MUST SEE theatre.

‘THE PRICE’ continues at Ensemble Theatre, located in
the Brooks Theatre in the Cleveland Play House complex
through February 25.  For ticket information call
216-321-2930.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

DEATH OF A SALESMAN, Arthur Miller’s classic play. 
Actors Summit, February 15-March 4.  Special matinee
performances for school groups.  For tickets and
information to regular and students productions call
330-342-0800.

RED LIGHT WINTER, a drama by Adam Rapp about two
friends who spend an unforgettable night in
Amsterdam’s Red Light District with a gorgeous
prostitute.  February 23-March 25, The Bang and
Clatter Theatre Company.  For tickets call
330-606-5317.

‘HONORING POLL!--two exciting programs.’ Verb Ballet,
March 24 and 25, Playhouse Square.  For tickets and
information call 216-241-6000 or go to
www.playhousesquare.com Playhouse Square.


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2002 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.  His dance reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


 
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