All My Sons — A Theater Review
“You want to live? You better figure out your life.”
― Arthur Miller, All My Sons
We sat and laughed, gasped, and cried as we witnessed the visceral, painful story unfold.
All My Sons was an incredible success as the show was well attended. Southern Virginia University’s theater program performed on September 23, 24, 29, and 30.
Set shortly after WWII, we were introduced to the opening scene of a fine home in the 40’s. The play presented to us the familiar home life of Joe Keller, his wife Kate, and his son Chris. Throughout All My Sons, we follow our characters through different conflicts as bad memories and mistakes are unearthed. We’re shown the deep tension within the family that builds, until the consequences of lies and deceit are actualized.
The All My Sons production addressed themes of responsibility, honesty, and greed. The production posed the painful question, how long can you justify living a lie? While the play was both dark and sobering, it prompted for reflection on, and empathy, for human error. Walking away from the play, you felt a heaviness in your heart, but you also felt pensive and reflective, considering how you might avoid the same terrible effects of deceit and irresponsibility.
The Cast:
Stephen Ewan as Joe Keller
Livia Offen as Kate Keller
Jordan Bennion as Chris Keller
Gracious Mattson as Ann Deever
Jared Mattson as George Deever
Colton Sorensen as Dr. Jim Bayliss
Gabrielle Atwood as Sue Bayliss
G. Carter Gorham as Frank Lubey
Natalie Dixon as Lydia Lubey
Tucker Whetstone as Bert
The actors and actresses performed wonderfully. Young Tucker Whetstone was a universal favorite in the audience, and acted his part without missing a beat. The awkward, comical romance played by Jordan Bennion and Gracious Mattson kept the audience laughing. Chris stood there, 15 feet apart from her, hands held awkwardly out to the side, not knowing where to put them. Then he stammered out, “Ann… give me a kiss!” The audience burst into laughter. All around, our cast performed terrifically and skillfully.
Southern Virginia’s theater department again delivered an excellent performance. Make sure you don’t miss their next upcoming play of the semester, Bright Star — an exciting broadway musical with a good twang of bluegrass.
