American playwright Arthur Miller’s tragedy, “Death of a Salesman,” continues its performance at Newnan Community Theatre Company March 25, 27 and 28, and April 2, 3 and 4.
This classic story is about Willy Loman (Sam Gentry), a man obsessed with greatness and unable to grasp why he’s failed in life. Willy lives his life with unchanging illusions and doesn’t see reality.
Willy (portrayed by Sam Gentry) has believed his whole life that greatness stems from popularity. Willy’s son, Biff (portrayed by Sam Gentry’s son, Levi Gentry), was a star football player in high school with scholarships on the horizon. After flunking math his senior year, Biff failed to graduate, and his descent continued when he catches his hero, his father, with another woman. Happy (Spencer Jordan), Willy and Linda’s youngest son and always destined to be number two, grabs onto his father’s disillusions of life. Willy’s wife, Linda (Dawn Campion), is the peacemaker in the family. She is protective of her husband and knows he is suicidal.
Jeff Allen is Willy’s friend and neighbor, Charlie. Charlie is always the voice of reality in Willy’s life, although Willy isn’t able to accept that. Willy believes a man is “worth more dead than alive” and expects his life insurance will help his son be successful. Charlie tries to explain to Willy that “a man isn’t worth anything dead.” Chad Davis portrays Charlie’s son, Bernard. Rounding out the cast is Peter Poulos as Uncle Ben, Robbie Kirkland as Stanley, Stephen Marshall as Howard, Kim Marshall as Miss Forsythe, and Leslie Ray as Letta. Lamar Payne is Willy’s understudy.
“Death of a Salesman” debuted in 1949 and won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony award. Award winning playwright Arthur Miller passed away in 2005. He also authored “The Crucible” and “All My Sons.” Married three times, including a short marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe, Miller had four children. Most notable is author and screenwriter Rebecca Miller (“The Private Lives of Pippa Lee”), who is married to actor Daniel Day-Lewis.
This American theater classic is part of most high school curriculums. In appreciation of teachers, the theatre has given 100 tickets to the show to area teachers in Coweta, Fayette, and Carroll counties. The play is being directed by Trey Stephens, who teaches math and drama in Carroll County.
“Death of a Salesman” show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for students and seniors; and $8 for children (12 and younger).
Reservations are recommended, but not required. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by visiting the theatre’s website at newnantheatre.org, calling 770-683-6282, or emailing info@newnantheatre.org. Newnan Community Theatre Company is located at 24 1st Avenue in downtown Newnan.
The next show at Newnan Community Theatre Company is “Brer Rabbit Stories” (Apr. 16-25) followed by the musical “Cabaret” (May 7-23).
