Death of a Salesman

Reviewed by Paula Citron

Soulpepper
Written by Arthur Miller
Directed by Albert Schultz
Performed by Joseph Ziegler, Nancy Palk, Ari Cohen, Tim Campbell and William Webster
Young Centre
Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, 2010

A classic is a classic because it transcends the test of time. Such is Arthur Miller’s 1949 masterpiece Death of a Salesman. This production could be the best thus far in Soulpepper’s history, and a feather in the cap of director Albert Schultz. Everything works.

Yes the play is depressing, but magnificently so. It is an intelligent author’s questioning of the American Dream and finding it wanting.

Joseph Ziegler’s portrayal of Willy Loman is simply brilliant. He absolutely captures the fracturing of the man’s personality. His is a downward spiral that will long be remembered.

As for the rest of the Loman family, Nancy Palk as Linda, Ari Cohen as Biff, Tim Campbell as Happy, and William Webster as Uncle Ben are excellent foils. The secondary roles are also strong, as are the production values.

If I have one cavil, it is that sometimes Nancy Palk and William Webster speak too low to catch their words.

Death of a Salesman continues at the Young Centre until Nov. 20.