Tonight was opening night for the drama of the season at PCP. “All My Sons” is a Tony award winning play by Arthur Miller that was originally performed and centered around post WWII America. A good play based on a current event can sometimes win awards. In 1947, most everyone could relate to it in some way based on living through the war and sacrificing, doing without for a common cause. A great play can be performed 60 years later when most of the WWII veterans are gone and many of the children who did without and helped tend Victory Gardens are senior citizens now and yet, new people still “get it”. They get it because the play is based on human frailties and universal themes, such as honor, compromise, greed, etc. I could go on, but that is not the point nor am I capable of writing properly about that right now.
I am still a bit overwhelmed after sitting on the edge of my seat watching opening night of this play. Now considering I already knew how the play would unfold, one might ask why I was on the edge of my seat. I was drawn into the play, into the era, into these people’s lives because of the cast’s masterful performances. I appreciated the powerful words and scenes that the playwright strung together. The set, the lighting, the costumes all contributed to put one in the mood. But this is an actor’s play and they were on it tonight.
The director, Jack Randall Earles, put together a cast of local talent, many of whom could seriously rival professional regional theater. Many of the actors have degrees or are working on degrees in theater, speech, English. A couple of the actors have taught acting at the college level and a couple more in public schools. There were about three college students in the show, including Zippie’s sister. Some of the actors have acted on professional stages in the past. The set, the lighting and the costumes all added to the show, especially the costumes, definitely 40’s styles, including details such as seamed hose.
The playhouse complex is growing and getting better each season. If you haven’t been for a while, realize that is has air conditioning and cushioned seats. You can still get some decent seats for this show. (Straight plays with relatively small casts do not sell out as soon as the musicals). Take a child, a grandchild (yes, rip their little hands off of the video games and tv controls) or someone who has never been to a play before and introduce them to live theatre. The playhouse is one of the jewels of Putnam County. Check out the cast here: www.putnamcountyplayhouse.com
