Theatre Review

Arctic Playhouse tackles Arthur Miller classic

By DON FOWLER
Posted 9/11/19

Theatre Review By DON FOWLER West Warwick's Arctic Playhouse has established a fine reputation for presenting light comedies and popular classic plays, selling out many performances in their intimate theatre in the heart of West Warwick. The community

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Theatre Review

Arctic Playhouse tackles Arthur Miller classic

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West Warwick’s Arctic Playhouse has established a fine reputation for presenting light comedies and popular classic plays, selling out many performances in their intimate theatre in the heart of West Warwick. The community theatre has won the heart of the community and has attracted dozens of volunteers, donors and subscribers with eight main stage performances in 2019.

The theatre opens its fall season with Arthur Miller’s classic drama, “All My Sons,” directed by Tony Annicone. Warwick’s Ron Martin plays Joe Keller, who with his partner (whom we never see but is a major character) made airplane parts for World War II. His partner was sent to jail when the defective parts caused the deaths of many soldiers, while Joe went on to become a very rich man.

Joe’s son is MIA and assumed dead by everyone but his mother (Lynda DiStefano), who is vehemently convinced he is still alive. When Ann (Carolyn Coughin), his former girlfriend, shows up and Joe’s other son Chris (Christopher Ferreira) proclaims his intent to marry his brother’s girlfriend, all hell breaks out in the family. To further complicate the situation, Ann’s brother George (Michael Pugliese) shows up in the second act with some pretty strong accusations.

“All My Sons” is a heavy play, filled with intense drama and raising issues that are still very relevant today, such as profiting from a war, living with guilt, love and forgiveness for family no matter what, and living with agonizing secrets.

The play has been revived on Broadway and has been done at many professional theatres around the country. For a small community theatre to tackle it deserves attention and praise. Under the careful direction of veteran actor/director Tony Annicone, the local actors give it their all, resulting in some very tense, emotional moments. And no wonder. Miller has written a very tense, emotional play. While a bit outdated and overstated at times, the questions raised are as relevant, even more so, today. At times, emotions run rampant and perhaps need to be moderated a bit, and this possibly will be the case by the time you read this.

If you want to see a classic play, up close and personal, done by a dedicated cast giving it their all under the direction of an experienced theatre professional for a most affordable price, get over to Arctic Playhouse before the play ends on September 27

You’ve got to love this charming little theatre, where you are greeted at the door like you’re and old friend, offered a cup of coffee, freshly baked cookies made by the volunteers, and a cup of popcorn. There is also a cash bar. And on the way out, you are greeted by some of the actors who thank you for coming. And all this for $13 in advance or $18 at the door. For advance reservations (important because they often sell out) call 537-3443, or go online at TheArcticPlayhouse.com.

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