While The Ringwald Theatre in Ferndale has built a solid reputation for staging quality (and often quirky) comedies and musicals, its current production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” directed by Joe Bailey proves the company also knows how to breathe life into an esteemed classic American drama. Tears were flowing all around me this past Saturday night as the trials and tribulations of the Loman family came to a head, thanks to the gut-wrenching performances of Joel Mitchell as Willy, Kelly Komlen as his wife Linda, and Donny Riedel and Jeff McMahon as their sons Biff and Happy.
Mitchell is a force to be reckoned with every time he
steps on stage, and with Willy he has reached yet another career milestone as the
aging traveling salesman struggling – with exhaustion? Depression? Dementia? – to
make sense of a life that’s falling apart all around him. It’s a performance
filled with emotional highs and lows, rage and confusion, and pride and regret as
Willy fluctuates from memory to reality in the snap of a finger. It’s also an
example of how much Mitchell commits to his role: With a head shaved to reflect
male-pattern baldness and with what’s remaining colored grey, the aging effect
is stunning. (In fact, a moment at which Mitchell seemed to transform into the
great Ed Asner playing the role surprised me. Yes, Mitchell is that good!)
Besides wanting to see Mitchell tackle the role of Willy,
another major draw was his teaming with Komlen, another accomplished actor, as
his wife. She too has been aged beyond her years, and while she likewise has
moments in which her emotions explode like dynamite, it’s her quieter and more
pensive moments where she excels – especially when she’s not necessarily the
focus of the action. On her face it’s clearly written how much she loves this
man – flaws and all – yet there’s pain behind those eyes that reveals her fear
and deep concern as the love of her life fades away. As such, saying little
pays major dividends when it comes to Komlen’s performance. What’s more, she
and Mitchell are totally convincing as man and long-married wife.
Also convincing are McMahon and Riedel as the sons.
McMahon’s Happy is the wheeler dealer of the two, always
spinning a good tale to anyone who will listen – especially if it means lining
up a date or two for the evening. He’s cute, his smile would melt the hearts of
any woman he talks to, and he’s a convincing liar who knows what to say to get
the response he desires. And as with Komlen, McMahon’s eyes (and facial
expressions) truly are the conduit to Happy’s inner and more honest thoughts.
Riedel, though, has the tougher role of the two – and he
nails Biff with a physical and verbal performance unlike any I’ve seen before. I
was intrigued by his work when I first saw him at Go Comedy some time back, and
I absolutely loved him as the butler in
The Ringwald’s production of “Clue on Stage” this past fall. But here his
interpretation of a frustrated and troubled young adult packs an honest and emotional
wallop that tugged at heartstrings all around me – including mine, as I’ll
admit to a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as Biff’s pent-up rage spews out
during a pivotal moment in the show. (After the performance he looked mentally
and physically exhausted!) It truly is a different, but superb portrayal from
start to finish.
Supporting actors range from fine to adequate. Brandy Joe
Plambeck does double duty in two totally different roles and makes then each
unique. A couple of casting choices, however, had me scratching my head.
Technical elements are up to the usual Ringwald
standards. Christopher Kamm’s very grey scenic design perfectly echoes the economic
and emotional state of the Loman’s. However, costume choices and hair design for
one actor by Vince Kelley and Sandra Glover pulled me out of the show a couple
of times, as they were modern day rather than what you’d find during the late
1940s when the story takes place.
Nevertheless and despite my few quibbles, Bailey’s “Death
of a Salesman” is an excellent production that helps cement The Ringwald’s
reputation as an important and major purveyor of quality professional theater
in Metro Detroit. The production runs through March 11. I highly recommend it!
For complete show details, CLICK HERE!
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| Joel Mitchell (foreground); Donny Riedel and Jeff McMahon (background) |