[NEohioPAL] Preview of "Death of a Salesman" at Lakeland Theater

[Bob Abelman]

Lakesland's 'Death of a Salesman' puts focus on wounded hearts 

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This preview appeared in the News-Herald 2/5/10

Theatre companies staging Arthur Miller's drama Death of a Salesman are easily tempted to bring something new to the table.

 

Here is a classic tale about an ordinary man-an aging, road-weary traveling salesman-who embodies traditional American values of success and now finds himself at the end of his career and the end of his rope.   After a lifetime of "riding a smile and a shoeshine," Willy Loman has lost his job, the respect of his sons, and his self-worth. 

 

Since its premiere 60 years ago, productions of this icon of American theatre have strived to find symbolism not yet revealed, establish nuance not yet brought to the forefront, or generate production values that showcase elements of the tragedy previously confined to Miller's brilliant but often cumbersome script.  Color-blind casting has attempted to generate newfound urgency and relevancy in a play seemingly frozen in time.  

 

Lakeland Community College theater director Martin Friedman most certainly understands the temptation of innovation.

 

He admits that he, too, has brought something new to the table in his production of this play, which opens this evening on the Lakeland Civic Theatre stage.  However, his "something new" is grounded in what already exists in the pages of this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, but has often been undermined or overshadowed in recent renditions.

 

It is the wounded hearts of its characters.

 

Friedman has sidestepped the notions that Willy's downfall is a condemnation of society, a sign of the demise of the American Dream, or that Willy is a victim of circumstances beyond his control.  Instead, he focuses on a tale about an ordinary man who has tried his best as a salesman, a husband and a father, but who must now come to terms with his mistakes, the paths not taken, and their heartbreaking ramifications.  This calls for a damaged but more vibrant Willy Loman than is typically depicted, to be played by veteran actor Mark Cipra.  

 

"It also calls for a wife who is more engaged with Willy than has been portrayed in many other productions," notes Friedman.

 

Linda Loman doesn't merely protect and defend her husband by demanding that "attention must be paid to such a person" and referring to him as a "man who must be listened to."  She actually attends and listens to Willy in this production.

 

Maryann Elder, as Linda, is on stage and a presence during Willy's moments of solitary reflection.  She does not stand idly by while Willy lapses into tormented flashbacks.   She tries to understand him and come to terms with what he is going through.

 

"By the characters being more engaged, the audience should be more engaged.  Well, that's hardly innovative" says Friedman.   

 

Rounding out the featured cast are Christopher Richards as Biff Loman, Joe Pine as Happy Loman, Michael A. Green as Charley, Robert McCoy as Ben and Amy Pawlukiewicz as The Woman. 

 

Details

 

What:     "Death of a Salesman."

When:    Today through February 21 (Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Sunday

    Matinees, 2 p.m.)

Where:   Lakeland  Civic Theatre, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. 

Tickets:  $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students.  All matinees are $5 for

               everyone.

Info:        440-525-7526 or martinfriedman98 at yahoo.com
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