In Chistopehr Bigsby's copious introduction to Death of a Salesman, one quote stands out: "When today fails to offer the justification for hope, tomorrow becomes the only grail worth pursuing."
Shades of Scarlett O'Hara but still Hope.
With ANW's pithy production of Richard III and Miller's ode to 'what might have been'.. these days in 2026 not only in The United States,but as well as in the World, we seem to have all reside on tenderhooks. This review does not intend to delve deeply into an analysis of the play or the characters. The title says it all. That said.. this production hangs on the director, the scenic design and the performances. Director Julia Rodriguez - Elliott brings Arthur Miller's signature classic to life with simple strokes, allowing the story to unfold with her evenly selected cast..
As Willy Loman, Geoff Elliott offers passionate braggadocio with fantastic hopes and dreams in his nuanced interpretation of the Miller classic. Willy Loman is the Everyman who has worked like anything all his life partly on a shoeshine and a smile. Sales. Elliott sells it well.
On Frederica Nascimento's exquisite set: spare with the looming intrusion of the growing neighborhood , we are invited to imagine a simple home and other basic locations. Ken Booth's lights serve well.
As Linda, Deborah Strang, a favorite of mine and long time ANW ensemble member, understands the pitiful devotion that women of Linda's generation lived: resolved to a fierce adherance to the times. The perfect helpmate. The ebb and flow of Strang's work from age sixty something to an earlier time in flashback is perfect.
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| David Kepner, Geoff Elliott, Deborah Strang and Ian Littleworth Photo by Craig Schwartz |
As Biff (David Kepner) home again at the age of thirtythree, struggles and has struggled to 'find himself'. In a flashback, Teen Biff ignores the coaxing of Young Bernard (Kasey Mahaffy) who idolizes him, to study to pass a math exam in order to graduate and make the family proud as a football hero at U VA. Biff fails. Kepner succeeds.
Younger borther Happy (Ian Littleworth) has stayed at home working in a low level job.He's a City Slicker who almost teams with Biff for the Big Time. No luck there.
Attention has been paid to the Brooklyn accents that the cast works to achieve. Though it was a distravtion for me.. Each was consistent.
I often like to mention supporting characters, as they are the seasoning that makes the play have substance.. "Substance" is what Willy longs for. The Woman (Cassandra Marie Murphy) and Howard (Michael Uribes) and Miss Forsythe (Dominique Razón) the work is solid. Uncle Ben's (David Nevell) bombast was bombastic.
Of the productions of Salesman that I've seen, this one is the most accomplished. Elliott -Rodriguez's hand is light and gives the actors room to move.
After the matinee, a very nice patron of the theatre asked me if I enjoyed the show? Because of the nature of the play, I had to demure. How does one 'enjoy' the story of what is eventualy, a failure? I appreciate the work and you should, too. Empathy and sympathy for the players reach across the apron of the spare stage. Not a lot of laughs, but appreciation of the message, as sad as it is. See this play.
CAST
Willy Loman - Geoff Elliott
Linda Loman - Deborah Strang
Happy. - Ian Littleworth
Biff - David Kepner
Bernard - Kasey Mahaffy
The Woman - Cassandra Marie Murphy
Charley - .Bert Emmett
Uncle Ben - David Nevell
Howard Wagner - Michael Uribes
Stanley - Jacob Cherry
Miss Forsythe - Dominique Razón
Letta - Rachel K. Han
CREW
Scentic Designer: Frederica Nascimento Costume designer Angela Balogh Calin Lighting designer Ken Booth
Sound designer and composer Robert Oriol Wig and make up designer Tony Valdés Poperties designer Stephen Taylor
Fight choreographer KennethR.Merckx, Jr.;
Dialect coach Andrea Odinov
Intimacy coordinator Sasha Smith Dramaturg Miranda Johnson-Haddad. Stage manager Angela Sonner Assistant Stage Manager Samantha Millette
Press Representative for ANW: Lucy Pollak
DEATH OF A SALESMAN
b y Arthur Miller
A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
March 22-April 19
Previews March 22 – March 27:
• Sunday at 2 p.m. / Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Performances March 28 – April 19:
• Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7: 30 p.m. / Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. (no Saturday matinee on March 28)
ADDITIONAL DATES:
• A one-hour INsiders Discussion Group will take place prior to the matinee on Sunday, March 29 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
• Post-performance conversations with the artists every Friday (except the preview) and Sunday, April 5.
• Student matinees are scheduled on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m. Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.
TICKETS:
• Tickets start at $41.75 (including fees)
• Student tickets start at $20
• Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 (previews): Pay What You Choose starting at $10 (available online beginning the Monday prior to that performance)
• Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
HOW:
anoisewithin.org
(626) 356-3100
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