All My Sons

Now in an extended run, the Pacific Resident Theatre’s production of this seminal American classic successfully encompasses the play’s emotional peaks and valleys yet lacks the forward momentum that drives the story to its dramatic conclusion. And with a script this close to perfect, any less-than-stellar moments stand out.

This intense character drama requires an extraordinary cast who can open their hearts to each of the characters' lighthearted nature as well as the despair in the depths of their souls. The production currently at Pacific Resident Theatre in Venice, directed by Elina De Santos with a sure hand and brilliant understanding of the frailties of human nature so that all the talented actors completely inhabit their emotionally challenging roles and draw you into this tight tale.

In this gripping, mesmerizing production, impeccably directed by Elina de Santos, the power of the performance of this modern three-act tragedy gripped this audience member from intriguing opening and exposition, through complications, then on to searing emotion, a stunning climax, and a wistful dénouement.

As illusions shatter, the bare-knuckle confrontations are riveting in De Santos’ well-paced staging, which heightens the intensity but proves problematic for some aspects of the play.

All My Sons is a classic. It was made into a film in 1948, and again in 1987. It allows for very dramatic acting, and keeps an audience's interest throughout.

THE SINS OF THE FATHER
There’s no doubt that Arthur Miller’s 1947 play All My Sons is an astonishing piece of theater. Not only is the writing brilliant, but the themes addressed are timeless and important. It’s difficult to imagine how the play could possibly be improved. It is based on a true story which appeared in an Ohio newspaper. The news story described how in 1941-43 the Wright Aeronautical Corporation based in Ohio had conspired with army inspection officers to approve defective aircraft engines destined for military use. It is amazing that Miller managed to pack so much drama into a play that takes place in the space of one day. Even if you’ve seen this classic play before, you would do well to go back; it still packs a punch, as proved by Pacific Resident Theatre’s moving and powerful production.

This production, sensitively directed by Elina de Santos, finds every nuance of Miller’s brilliant script. De Santos accurately described the play as “”timeless and timely” when she introduced the performance.

Spot-on scenic design by Dillon G. Artzer makes remarkable use of a small stage. As the clear-eyed father trying to salvage normalcy for his family, Richard Fancy leads the cast with an awe-inspiring performance. Supporting players add context but it’s the family and Ann who are given the most to do and, here on Venice Boulevard, they deliver in spades.

Working with Miller’s strong script, director Elina de Santos does an excellent job of defining this fractured family as, slowly but surely, their perfect life begins to unravel. The cast does a strong job of guiding the audience inside the heads of these “average American folks.” Dillon G. Artzer’s scenic design sets the right stage, homey and yet hemmed in by a high fence. Jennifer Pollono’s costumes make 1947 come alive. Matt Richter’s lighting and Christopher Moscatiello’s sound keep the stormy story on track. And let’s not forget fight choreography by Ned Mochel (who also performed as the evening’s Dr. Jim Bayliss). ALL MY SONS cannot be revived too often. It remains a pleasure to see Miller’s superb work on stage, especially as interpreted by the expert PRT Company.