“Death of a Salesman” opens theatre season

The Wright State Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures will begin its 2011–12 season with the classic play Death of a Salesman. This tragedy by playwright Arthur Miller is often regarded as the greatest American drama.

“It’s sort of the American Hamlet,” said W. Stuart McDowell, the department chair and artistic director. “It’s a play that people love, even though it’s a tough play. It’s a tragic play, a sad play, but also a play that speaks to a lot of people.”

When it was written in 1949, Death of a Salesman won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, the Tony Award for best play and the New York Critics’ Circle Best Play award.

It tells the story of Willy Loman, an aging salesman confronting his failures both in his career and in his family relationships. This iconic role has been played by numerous legends of the stage and screen, including Dustin Hoffman in a 1985 television movie.

The role is a perfect fit for one of Dayton’s own theatre stars, Scott Stoney of the Human Race Theatre Company. He’s also no stranger to the Wright State stage, having directed and starred in last season’s production of August: Osage County.

“Death of a Salesman is a tragedy in the classic sense,” said Stoney. “We’re talking about noble characters that have a flaw. And certainly Willy Loman is a flawed character, but I think his intentions are absolutely noble to start with.”

Joining Stoney will be Wright State faculty member Lee Merrill in the role of Linda Loman, Willy’s wife.

“Actually, playing Linda is neat because I am at an age where I can identify with the things that are going on in her life,” said Merrill. “I’m married and I have children. And I know what it’s like to fiercely love somebody and to want my children to have fulfilling lives.”

Rounding out the cast are 12 Wright State students, including Patrick Ross, Zach Schute, Mathys Herbert and Jenyth Rosati. The production is directed by Greg Hellems.

Death of a Salesman will be presented Sept 22­–Oct. 2. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at the theatre department box office or by calling (937) 775-2500.