EgoPo's DEATH OF A SALESMAN to Run 10/22-11/9

EgoPo Classic Theater's 2014-15 American Giants Festival gets underway with Arthur Miller's American classic, Death of a Salesman, running October 22-November 9 at the Latvian Society. The Philadelphia revival of this iconic play is in honor of Miller's upcoming 100th Birthday. In this production, Miller's Jewish roots are faithfully unearthed in a powerful restaging of his haunting play. Venture back to the 1940's, into the Brooklyn home of the Loman family, to attend the Shiva of a poor working man. Willy Loman's mind opens before your eyes, as you peer in, and join him on his search for meaning.

EgoPo carries on their tradition of producing annual themed festival seasons. This year they explore the promise of the American Dream through the work of three of America's greatest playwrights: Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, and Eugene O'Neill. Throughout the season, EgoPo will examine what the American Dream means today: is the dream still possible or is it a failed promise? In today's culture, how do we find greater meaning in our work and in our lives? If class barriers deny the dream for some, is it denied for all? EgoPo will investigate these questions by honoring the legacy of these significant playwrights, crafting dynamic and provocative performances to deeply resonate with today's audiences.

The very first staging of Miller's Death of a Salesman was right here in Philadelphia at the Locust Street Theater, on 1411 Locust Street, a few weeks before its Broadway premiere on February 10, 1949. Across the street from the theater, the Philadelphia Orchestra was playing Beethoven's Seventh Symphony. Arthur Miller, the play's director Elia Kazan, and lead actor Lee J. Cobb, attended to gain inspiration for Willy's emotionally dynamic journey. That concert became their muse for which would be one of the most significant nights of theater in American history. And yet, the first public performance received no applause, Miller noted:

"Strange things began to go on in the audience. With the curtain down, some people stood to put their coats on and then sat again, some, especially men, were bent forward covering their faces, and others were openly weeping... It seemed forever before someone remembered to applaud, and then there was no end of it." - Arthur Miller's Autobiography, Time Bends

The play would go on to become the biggest hit in American history.

"By common consent, this is one of the finest dramas in the whole range of the American theater." -Brooks Atkinson, New York Times, 1949

Today there is no trace of the Locust Street Theater. The restaurant Estia stands where the theater once was.

The goal of EgoPo's staging is to provide a production that is deeply faithful to Miller's script and honor's the playwright's life and roots.

Miller was the son of Jewish immigrants who successfully worked their way up in the world from Poland, to the lower east side garment industry, creating the country's 2nd largest women's coat manufacturer. The Miller family lost it all in the Depression, and retreated across the bridge to Brooklyn. As a teenager Miller worked, like his uncle and father, as a salesman. It was in his blood.

As a young writer, Miller's plays focused on his Jewish roots, centering on both Jewish and socialist themes. Directly following World War II, Miller travelled to Europe where he met a colony of Holocaust survivors. This experience shook him to the core. Miller would not write a play with overtly Jewish material for over three decades. This was not unusual in 1950's America, a world that was still trying to cleanse its immigrant past.

In honor of his 100th birthday, EgoPo will pay tribute to Miller's working class background and Jewish roots by unearthing these themes that lie just below the surface. EgoPo's tribute will be subtle, appearing only in design, costumes, dialect, and audience experience.

Audiences will venture to a diverse working-class neighborhood in 1940's Brooklyn, into the home of the Loman family, to attend Willy's Shiva. Artistic Director, Lane Savadove, faithfully crafts Miller's tragic tale of a fractured family and a man whose American dream does not match the American reality. An impressive cast takes on these signature roles.

EgoPo is thrilled to welcome back Ed Swidey, from last year's GINT and Lady from the Sea, to portray the iconic Willy Loman. Like the originator of the role, Lee J. Cobb, Swidey is a huge and powerful presence, giving Willy a long way to fall.

Swidey is joined by Mary Lee Bednarek, from EgoPo's The Diary of Anne Frank and Hell, as Willy's wife, Linda. The Loman sons will be played by Sean Lally (GINT & Hell) as Biff, and Kevin Chick (Lady from the Sea, Golem) as Happy.

Willy's brother, Ben, will be played by Russ Widdall (Anne Frank) who will also enliven the roles of Howard and Stanley. Another familiar EgoPo face is Steven Wright (Uncle Tom's Cabin & Marat/Sade) who will play the Loman's next door neighbor, Charley.

EgoPo is happy to welcome, for the first time, Derrick Millard as Bernard, Anna Szapiro who will play Miss Frances/Letta, and Kaitlin Kemp as Miss Forsythe/Jenny.

In addition to this powerful cast, EgoPo is happy to welcome back several resident designers who will create the world of the Loman's including: set designer, Dirk Durossette (GINT), costume designer, Robin Shane (Doll's House, Lady from the Sea), and Matt Sharp (GINT, Lady from Sea, Uncle Tom's Cabin).

Death of a Salesman will be staged at The Latvian Society. Previews begin October 22nd, with Press Opening on Friday October 24th; the show will run three weeks, closing on November 9th.

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