HAMILTON – The Palace Players presented Arthur Miller’s Death Of A Salesman last Friday and Saturday at The Palace Theater – the cast performing for a packed house both nights ­– the standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance rightfully earned.
Protagonist Willy Loman is 63 years old with a wife and two grown sons. He has been a salesman his entire life, but has difficulty making ends meet, and his sales skills - along with his health - are diminishing. He wants nothing but success for his boys and to be able to care for his wife, yet he finds that his goal of fulfilling the “American Dream” may not be attainable after all.
The Palace Theater is a unique venue in that the audience is truly a part of the production along with the cast. The cast not only utilized the stage, but aisles were often used as avenues for flash-back scenes.
“Every time one of the actors exhales, you are inhaling that energy and it is being moved around the room,” said Producer Patricia von Mechow. “Know that you are a part of this as well.”
Rick Signorelli portrayed Willy Loman in this production, and was absolutely captivating. Signorelli’s other, recent works include the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival and the Palace Theater’s production of 12 Angry Men last year. It never seemed as though Signorelli was on a stage acting as Willy Loman, instead it seemed that, for three hours, Signorelli was Loman.
Said Signorelli, “The cast and crew of this show have been a pleasure to work with. A special thanks to my daughter Michelle and to Lenore for her love and infinite patience.”
Linda LaPorte-Stoodley assumed the role of Willy’s devoted wife, Linda. Her ability to connect with the audience was spot-on and her devotion to her craft is unquestionable.
Sons Biff and Happy were played by Nick Preuninger and Sean McNichol, respectively. Both were also in the Palace Theater’s 12 Angry Men production last season. The chemistry between the two boys, as brothers, was undeniable. McNichol as Happy exuded so much emotion at times, it was difficult to remember it was a play, and not a young adult actually breaking down due to the plight of his father. Preuninger’s performance as Biff was just as alluring, and the strained relationship between father and son was one that many in the audience could not only relate to, but reacted to with emotion.
The supporting cast was fantastic, and allowed for the production to shine. Richard Stoodley as Charley, Chris Bord as Uncle Ben, Mason McDowell as Bernard, Liska Savage as Jenny, Letta, and “The Other Woman,” Raphael DiLorenzo as Howard Wagner and Stanley, and Rachelle Berry as Miss Forsythe all reached within, becoming their characters, and were outstanding.
The crew was wonderful as well, and the production went off without a hitch.
Death Of A Salesman was the sixth Palace Players Production, and the fourth production under the direction of Alessandro Trinca.
Trinca thanked Colgate University for use of the theater, Bruce Stewart, DDS for his continued sponsorship, Patricia for every opportunity these last three years, his family, his actors for their passion and respect of theatre as more than a hobby, and the Palace audience for embracing the production.
A special thanks to businesses that donated goods or services for the production were extended to the Colgate Drama Department, SUNY Morrisville Theater Department, Sherburne-Earlville Drama Department, and Barge Canal and Coffee Company.
At the conclusion of the performance, both college students and grandparents alike were in tears, and it was clear the entire audience was moved, not only by the plot of Arthur Miller’s prize-winning play, but by the passion and dedication shown by those onstage.
The Palace Players are Hamilton’s independent community theater group - producing musicals, drama, and comedy each season - striving to enrich the cultural and economic fabric of the Greater Hamilton community. To contact The Palace Theater to learn more about past or upcoming productions visit palacetheater.org or call 315-824-1420.