OCEANSIDE, California -Mira Costa Theater inaugurated the new Black Box theater with an ambitious Arthur Miller play which opened April 25th and will run through May 5th. Under the direction of Eric Bishop, two casts took on Miller’s characters in All My Sons. The intense drama was made all the more authentic through the use of special effects which engaged viewers’ senses and drew us, unavoidably into the action on stage.
Like many of Arthur Miller’s plays, All My Sons exposes complex family relationships and explores the ties that bind us and ultimately destroy us. Joe Keller (Greg Hall), a successful businessman, lives comfortably with his wife, Kate (Carol Naegele) and younger son Chris (Layth Haddad). Larry, the older son, was a pilot during World War II and has been missing these last three years. Kate refuses to accept that Larry is dead, and is indignant when Chris makes it known that he wants to marry his brother’s sweetheart, Ann Deever (Alexandra Emmenegger).
The Deevers who had lived next door, moved away after Ann’s father was imprisoned following the shipment of defective machine parts that resulted in the deaths of 21 pilots. Joe owned the factory where Ann’s father worked; Deever was his underling, merely following orders. While Joe was acquitted of wrongdoing, Mr. Deever has remained in prison, and has been spurned by his children, Ann and George (Alex Tanner).
Set in the backyard of the Keller home during a 1947 Ohio thunderstorm, the drama unfolds, touching us on so many levels: the loss of a son, the secrets between a husband and wife, the adoration and devotion of a son, and then the whipsawing of our emotions as we see the doubt, despair, fear and loathing in these same characters when truths are revealed. The new neighbors, Dr. Jim Bayliss (Josef Emmenegger) and his wife Sue (Erica Bogan), envious of the luxuries enjoyed by the Kellers, take turns making judgmental statements and sharing revelations about the family’s easy lifestyle. Another home abuts the backyard, and is the long-term residence of Frank(Lucas Goodman) and Lydia (Millicent Reeves) Lubey. Frank had not gone to war, but stayed home where he and Lydia have raised two children and expect their third. Rounding out the cast is little Bert (Wyatt Andersen), a neighborhood boy who is much impressed by Joe Keller’s tales of having a jail in his basement.
The play evokes lots of discomfort, intentionally. Viewers are kept off-balance by the characters constantly having to walk on eggshells. At the outset, it appears that only Kate is fragile, but as the play evolves, it seems Joe has a hard time retaining his composure when engaging with Chris, Ann or George. The very air in the space is charged with tension and uncertainty. This negative frisson makes for a very intense and memorable theatrical experience.
Many of the actors are theater majors, some are Actors Academy graduates, while others are both. All are very talented and many have graced the stage at Mira Costa College often. This play really highlights the actors’ versatility and range. Many were seen previously in comic farces or musicals, a great departure from Miller’s somber screenplay.
The clever set was imagined by Zachary Elliott, and costumes were designed by Carol Whaley. The brilliant technical direction and electrical storm are credited to Justin and Ashley Kidwell. Kudos to the cast and director Eric Bishop for taking on this challenging, provocative play, and for bringing us such authentic angst born of human frailties.
Tickets may be purchased at Mira Costa College Theater Box Office 760-795-6815.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com