Theater at its finest: 'Death of a Salesman'

In February 1949, Arthur Miller's new play, "Death of a Salesman," opened on Broadway with a all-star cast. The show ran for more than 700 performances with Lee J. Cobb in the leading role, supported by Mildred Dunnock, Arthur Kennedy and Cameron Mitchell. It won every award Broadway could bestow. It stands today as one of the dramatic triumphs of the American theater.

Now the Proscenium Players bring this drama to the Brewery Arts Center starting Friday at 8 p.m. If you go, be sure to bring your imagination with you, and perhaps your heart as well, because this is truly an American play, dealing with betrayed beliefs, failures in honesty, crashed dreams and all the things that we encounter in life.

You'll need your imagination, too, because of the complex way in which Miller tells the life of salesman Willy Loman - in flashbacks, in fantasies, in time warps. But don't try to intellectualize the drama - let it flow, and you'll be rewarded.

The new director for the Players, Doug A. Mishear, knows his play and his actors and he moves them about deftly. "His is a profound play that touches on the human condition of all of us. It's not an easy play for actors or audience, but it is rewarding to both.

"The dialogue is rich and nuanced, and the dreams that come and go touch us all."

Heading the cast is veteran Patrick Hardy, who has done everything from Henry II in "The Lion in Winter" to Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof." He brings a strength and authority to the play as Willy, a salesman no longer able to sell but who still can dream. He also brings depth as Willy slowly melts away.

As Willy goes, so goes the play, and here it goes very well.

Playing his wife, Linda, is Kris Wallek, who brings agonizing love for her Willy as well as a fierce protective wall for him from his combative sons. She is pivotal in giving Willy a base in a wandering reality.

Sons Biff (Joshua Jessup), who dropped out of life after success as a high school football star, and Happy (Zachary L. J. Bortot), who pursued the business life, are fine, solid actors. Jessup is moving into drama from the musicals in which he has had significant success.

Jerry Harrington plays Charlie, a neighbor of Willy's who tries to help his friend. And Ray Finnegan is Ben, Willy's brother who went into the African jungle and came out with diamonds. Both give effacing but effective support.

"Death" was seen on television in 1985 with Dustin Hoffman as Willy, Kate Reid as Willy's wife Linda and John Malkovich as BIff. Those who saw it may remember how the commercials came in crudely just before the closing requiem scene. You can be assured such butchery will not be repeated at the Brewery.

As noted, this is not as easy romp down the aisles, but it isn't a dirge. It is theater at its finest, showing us the tragic size of life along with the possibility, perhaps, of hope. I wouldn't miss it for all the "American Idols" of the world.

• Contact Sam Bauman sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.