Playwright Arthur Miller's classic A View From The Bridge -A glimpse into the lives, customs, passions, and conflicts of a New York Italian-American immigrant community living in the shadows of Brooklyn Bridge in the 1950's, is presented by The Montreal Theatre Ensemble. Directed by company artistic director Terry Donald... "The story is the examination of one mans obsession and what can happen when that obsession takes over."
While Arthur Miller (Death Of A Salesman; All My Sons; The Crucible) was researching the death of Pete Ponto, a longshoremen who was killed by the mob for attempted treason, he learned of story involving another longshoremen who had disappeared after giving up a family member to immigration to prevent the brother from marring his niece. It became a one Act play opening off-Broadway in 1955 with actor Jack Warden as Marco. It played for 149 performances as a double bill with 'A Memory of Two Mondays' and critics panned it as cold and un-engaging. It had been Miller's attempt to distance himself from psycho-realism creating a one act one arch Greek action play. -In a 'Brechtian' sense to reveal abstract ideas about the human condition. Miller reworked the play into a two act version expanding on some of the characters building up the neighborhood. It reopened on Broadway in 1965 to 780 performances. Assistant directed by Dustin Hoffman it featured a cast of 15 including Jon Voight as Rodolpho and Robert Duval as Eddie. It was later made into a film as a domestic melodrama directed by Sidney Lumet staring Maureen Stapleton as Beatrice Carbon. Although set in Brooklyn the filming was done in France.
The play is a tragic tale of family, conflict and betrayal in the true style of a Greek Tragedy. The raw clash of old world and new is brought to life on stage. the play allows the audience to look closely at what it is like to be a human being and how social conformity can challenge raw emotions. It's themes embody responsibility to community and oneself, the sinner versus the saint, and the true nature of humanity. As human beings we are all capable of great acts, weather good or bad, before judging the actions of someone else, think about how you would react if presented with the same set of circumstances. The story is a cautionary tale about Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman who lives in the Red Hook district of Brooklyn and his obsession with his young niece Catherine. He is an ordinary man driven by extraordinary circumstances.
Featuring an ensemble cast of 22 consisting primarily of the theatre company members as well as many John Abbott alumni including: Adam LeBlanc (Eddie), a profoundly riveting pitch perfect performance; Matthew Raudsepp (Rodolpho), a sensitive and sexy portrayal, with great comedic timing, and gets to show off his vocal singing chops; Peter Vrana (Marco), a powerful-masculine persona; Rebecca Croll (Beatrice), a giving submissive yet strong and determined portrayal; Christie Hebert (Catherine), fresh and innocent with a funny naivete; Christopher Moore (Mike), Jade Hassouné (Tony), Bill Fletcher (Alfieri), Leonardo Valente (Louis), Raphael Grosz-Harvey (Immigration Officer #1), and a dozen others in cameo and walk on roles.
This is as good as any production you'll see presented on any of the larger English Theatre stages in Montreal. Every element is treated with excellence and professional flare including Costumes, Set, Lighting and sound were all impeccable. The direction was equally precise with seamless transitions and great staging. My one and only qualm was with the staging of the final ending tableau; somewhat forced and melodramatic when compared to the rest of the choices.
The play is presented at the Casgrain Theatre - John Abbott College, January 14 to 30. Tickets $20. - $18. info@mtlte.com
While Arthur Miller (Death Of A Salesman; All My Sons; The Crucible) was researching the death of Pete Ponto, a longshoremen who was killed by the mob for attempted treason, he learned of story involving another longshoremen who had disappeared after giving up a family member to immigration to prevent the brother from marring his niece. It became a one Act play opening off-Broadway in 1955 with actor Jack Warden as Marco. It played for 149 performances as a double bill with 'A Memory of Two Mondays' and critics panned it as cold and un-engaging. It had been Miller's attempt to distance himself from psycho-realism creating a one act one arch Greek action play. -In a 'Brechtian' sense to reveal abstract ideas about the human condition. Miller reworked the play into a two act version expanding on some of the characters building up the neighborhood. It reopened on Broadway in 1965 to 780 performances. Assistant directed by Dustin Hoffman it featured a cast of 15 including Jon Voight as Rodolpho and Robert Duval as Eddie. It was later made into a film as a domestic melodrama directed by Sidney Lumet staring Maureen Stapleton as Beatrice Carbon. Although set in Brooklyn the filming was done in France.
The play is a tragic tale of family, conflict and betrayal in the true style of a Greek Tragedy. The raw clash of old world and new is brought to life on stage. the play allows the audience to look closely at what it is like to be a human being and how social conformity can challenge raw emotions. It's themes embody responsibility to community and oneself, the sinner versus the saint, and the true nature of humanity. As human beings we are all capable of great acts, weather good or bad, before judging the actions of someone else, think about how you would react if presented with the same set of circumstances. The story is a cautionary tale about Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman who lives in the Red Hook district of Brooklyn and his obsession with his young niece Catherine. He is an ordinary man driven by extraordinary circumstances.
Featuring an ensemble cast of 22 consisting primarily of the theatre company members as well as many John Abbott alumni including: Adam LeBlanc (Eddie), a profoundly riveting pitch perfect performance; Matthew Raudsepp (Rodolpho), a sensitive and sexy portrayal, with great comedic timing, and gets to show off his vocal singing chops; Peter Vrana (Marco), a powerful-masculine persona; Rebecca Croll (Beatrice), a giving submissive yet strong and determined portrayal; Christie Hebert (Catherine), fresh and innocent with a funny naivete; Christopher Moore (Mike), Jade Hassouné (Tony), Bill Fletcher (Alfieri), Leonardo Valente (Louis), Raphael Grosz-Harvey (Immigration Officer #1), and a dozen others in cameo and walk on roles.
This is as good as any production you'll see presented on any of the larger English Theatre stages in Montreal. Every element is treated with excellence and professional flare including Costumes, Set, Lighting and sound were all impeccable. The direction was equally precise with seamless transitions and great staging. My one and only qualm was with the staging of the final ending tableau; somewhat forced and melodramatic when compared to the rest of the choices.
The play is presented at the Casgrain Theatre - John Abbott College, January 14 to 30. Tickets $20. - $18. info@mtlte.com
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