'The Price' at Seven Angels - My Review

The Price is a play that was written by Arthur Miller in 1967. It is currently running at Waterbury's Seven Angels Theatre through December 1. Artistic Director Semina DeLaurentis directed the four Equity members that make up the cast since their first rehearsal on October 22.

The first Sunday matinee was quite well-attended and I was able to purchase a ticket for a seat on house right that was close enough to the dressing rooms that I was able to hear the voice of the stage manager announcing the number of minutes to curtain. The Assistant Stage Manager Keri Dumka, a graduate of Eastern CT, has been involved at TriArts with They're Playing Our Song, Spamalot, and Best Little...I also got to greet House Coordinator Jimmy Donohue while I was at the box office.

Ms. DeLaurentis stated during her pre-show announcements that this is a play that Seven Angels is delighted to produce during their 23rd season. She reminded the audience that Arthur Miller was a Connecticut resident. She writes in her letter in the program that the powerful play "reveals the power of the past in the tangle of the memories in the present. Two estranged brother reunite to sell off the family belongings left behind by their father. The conflict of how to divide the proceeds lays bare their lives, the choices each has made and the price each paid."

The stage was interestingly decorated as a cluttered attic by Daniel Husvar and lit by Matt Guminski. Since furniture and its value figures heavily in the plot, the pieces and the props were carefully chosen. Costumes by Juliana Cirillo (with credits including Radium Girls, Christmas Carol and Much Ado About Nothing at Shakesperience) were appropriate for 1968 in New York City. The two-act play was presented with intermission in two and a half hours.

I knew little about this work of Arthur Miller, so I was not really sure what to expect. There was definitely some humor, but the rest was pretty heavy. Miller's plays addressed social and political issues and helped establish the American tradition of the "common man" as tragic hero; the latter was apparent here. The four professional actors all did a wonderful job with their roles, as I expected.

R. Bruce Connelly, who was so impressive as George Burns in Say Goodnight, Gracie, played the role of Mr. Solomon, a furniture dealer. Mr. Connelly has played Barkley the dog on Sesame Street since 1993, so he had no trouble carrying off the moves of an elderly gentleman. Denise Walker played the role of Esther in her Seven Angels debut; this is not a sympathetic role and she did well with it. As the estranged brothers, Charlie Kevin and Jon Krupp were both the strong actors required for the demanding roles.

Special Food and Drink Nights and Matinees
11/4 Beer & Pizza Night
11/15 1/2 Price Drink Night
11/16 Mimosa Matinee
11/22 Sweet Maria’s Night
11/23 Fascia’s Chocolate Night
11/29 Wine & Martini Night
12/1 Sundaes on Sunday

A Silent Auction in the lobby of Seven Angels runs through December 1. The theatre is also participating in Give Local Greater Waterbury & Litchfield Hills.