Ensemble Theatre Company will launch their latest production, Henry Miller’s iconic “Death of a Salesman” February 7th at the New Vic, with a few twists, the main one being live original music accompanying the proceedings. It’s an interesting touch, more so because the three fine musicians also act, and very well, in the play. The seemingly spare set has some interesting tricks up it’s sleeve as well, and while the acting, direction and well known story are the meat of the production, these additions provide some welcome surprises. In these times of so many lies, angry reassertions of male power, ageism and declining expectations for all too many, the play regains a chilling relevance. Interestingly, eldest son Biff comes off as simultaneously the biggest victim of the Loman household’s fantasy of the American Dream, rooted as it is in delusional self-deception, and as the most sympathetic character, willing to admit the everything about Willie and his family amounts to a failure, and he continues to want to escape all the emotional baggage. Perhaps with the demise of the salesman/huckster, he (and the country) can.
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