BWW Previews: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at Iowa Stage Theatre Company

In its inaugural season, Iowa Stage Theatre Company is producing Arthur Miller's iconic American tragedy A View From the Bridge. This selection is fitting for the new theatre company that formed from the merge of the contemporary StageWest Iowa and classical Repertory Theatre of Iowa, as its mission is "to create theater that is truthful, intimate and relevant." In an interview with Director Matt McIver, who is also the Co-Artistic Director of Iowa Stage Theatre Company, he provided insight as to why Miller's American tragedy was selected for the inaugural season, why it's a must see production, and what's next for the company.

For those unfamiliar with A View From the Bridge, the play concerns longshoreman Eddie Carbone and his wife Beatrice while they take care of their orphaned niece Catherine in Brooklyn during the 1950s. While Eddie has always been overprotective of Catherine, things get obsessive when her two cousins illegally immigrate from Italy to America and one takes interest in her. As Miller's play hurdles to its conclusion, familial relationships are tested, impulsive urges run wild, and communities are destroyed. In thinking about how A View From the Bridge relates to Arthur Miller's other great works, Director Matt McIver calls this play Miller's first attempt to make a tragedy focused on the American working class. In focusing on the ordinary man and his passions, audiences can connect with these characters on a deeper level. McIver also adds that even though A View From the Bridge is set in the 1950s, it demands to be produced today due to its timeless themes and language and its investigation of the very current topic of immigration.

Of course, when transferring a classic play to the stage, there are important choices that must be made to make the production unique. McIver states that both the design and cast of this production make it special and jokes that his biggest challenge was making a production as good as both these elements. As for the design, Scenic Designer Jay Jagim has created a raked stage surrounded with playing spaces for the street and neighborhood with an expressionist version of the Brooklyn Bridge spilling out from behind. McIver comments that the cables reaching down from the bridge into the apartment, "create a sense of connection and claustrophobia," adding that Lighting Designer Jim Trenberth and Sound Designer Josh Jepson have, "created a world that brings Miller's themes to life."

As for the cast, McIver raves about all those involved in this production including Kerry Skram as Beatrice and Abigail Feldman as Catherine who set up the seemingly happy home life well. Also to watch out for are Brian Vaughan as Marco and Mike Ladell Harris as Rodolpho who act as the cousins that set the tragedy in motion while bringing a surprising amount of humor to the show. James Serpento as the narrator Alfieri also boldly digs deep into the character while bringing the audience through the plot. But, perhaps the most crucial role of this tragedy is Eddie Carbone played by Shawn Wilson. McIver says that Wilson, who recently won a Cloris Award for his portrayal of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, brings an absolute passion and depth as Eddie Carbone and elicits audible gasps from the audience at each turn of the tragedy. Even if audiences have seen Wilson in another production in Des Moines, McIver claims they will be shocked at this transformation, which is not to be missed.

While McIver couldn't be prouder of this production, he is also excited for the future of Iowa Stage Theatre Company and will be stepping into the role of Artistic Director next year. He comments that Iowa Stage Theatre Company is committed to growing artists and have already seen an impact in Des Moines and Iowa as a whole. "We are constantly looking to find new ways to partner with individuals and organizations to continue to transform Iowa, its citizens, and its art community." McIver also states that this exciting production of A View From the Bridge fits perfectly into the goal of Iowa Stage Theatre Company to "present the greatest stories ever staged." And, as anyone who is familiar with Arthur Miller's work will attest, this play is not to be missed, especially in the hands of this groundbreaking theatre company.

Iowa Stage Theatre Company presents

A View From the Bridge
February 23 - March 4, 2018
https://www.iowastage.org/2018-a-view-from-the-bridge

Looking forward: Iowa Stage Theatre Company will announce the 2018-2019 season on March 3rd at 10am in the Des Moines Social Club's Basement Bar.

Photo Credit - Andrea Markowski

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