There have probably been thousands of stage productions mounted of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” and most have adhered to the same playbook, a testament to the enduring “rightness” of Miller’s script. Ensemble Theatre Company founding director Joe Hanreddy decided to make some changes, adding enlivening new elements for a fresh perspective on this old warhorse of American theater. First, there’s a live musical score composed by Barry G. Funderburg performed by three fine musicians who also act, and very well, in the play. Then there is the seemingly spare set which itself is animated and is at times home to wide projections. These additions provide some welcome surprises and enhance what is a really fine production. 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 that everything about Willie by and his family amounts to a failure, and he continues to want to escape all the emotional baggage. With the demise of the salesman/huckster, he (and the country) stand a good chance of succeeding. Superb cast and direction make this a winner!
