I'm all for creative non-traditional casting, but is Katie Holmes now playing Joe Keller, the successful businessman accused of selling faulty airplane parts to the U.S. government during World War II, in the upcoming Broadway revival of All My Sons? I only ask because this MSNBC blurb is about how she's starring in the production. I would think she'd be better suited for the supporting role of Ann Deever, the daughter of Keller's business partner who has been romantically involved with both of his two sons
Yeah, yeah... I know... Katie Holmes is a famous actress and her presence is supposed to help increase box office sales - and for all I know she may wind up being spectacular in the role - but c'mon, folks... can we drum up a little excitement for the fact that one of Broadway's great dramatic stage actors (Requiem For A Heavyweight, M. Butterfly, The Changing Room...) is starring in a revival of Arthur Miller's first commercial success? (Not to mention the welcome presence of Dianne Wiest and Patrick Wilson.)
The last time I saw All My Sons on Broadway was opening night of the 1987 revival starring Richard Kiley. Unfortunately, I was pretty sick that night and really shouldn't have gone to the theatre. By no fault of the production I spent most of the evening nearly (or maybe completely) asleep, only being jolted to alertness whenever a character suddenly yelled a line.
I look forward to being wide awake for this one.
Videos