Citadel Theatre's Death of a Salesman Presents a Strong, Nuanced Take on Classic Drama
Death of a Salesman continues its compelling run at Edmonton's Citadel Theatre through February 15, delivering a powerful interpretation of Arthur Miller's timeless masterpiece. This production captures the emotional depth and social commentary that has made the play a theatrical staple since its 1949 debut.
Attention Must Be Paid to This Production
As Nadien Chu's Linda Loman declares in the Citadel's production, "Attention must be paid"—and audiences are indeed paying close attention to this nuanced exploration of one man's unraveling life. The production invites viewers to observe the emotional wreckage of Willy Loman's existence, a journey that has captivated theatergoers for generations despite its challenging subject matter.
John Ullyatt's Multifaceted Willy Loman
John Ullyatt delivers a remarkable performance as Willy Loman, capturing the character's complexity beyond the surface bravado. Ullyatt, familiar to audiences from roles in Glengarry Glen Ross and even The Simpsons, reveals Loman's:
- Struggle against his diminishing circumstances
- Shame regarding past infidelities
- Bafflement at his sons' failure to meet his expectations
- Financial dependence on neighbor Charley (Anthony Santiago)
The character's tragic desire to simply plant seeds in his sun-deprived backyard becomes a poignant metaphor for his entire existence.
Supporting Cast and Timeless Themes
Nadien Chu's Linda Loman provides a heroic counterpoint to Willy's decline, demonstrating unwavering loyalty despite his past transgressions. The production skillfully navigates the play's temporal shifts, with flashbacks blending seamlessly into the present and Willy's deceased brother Ben (Andrew Wheeler) appearing as a capitalist oracle dispensing bootstrap philosophy.
The younger generation receives compelling treatment through Nathan Kay's Biff and Alexander Ariate's Happy, both struggling under the weight of their father's expectations. Tenaj Williams' Bernard serves as a telling contrast—the studious neighbor's child who becomes a successful lawyer while Willy's own sons drift through life.
Innovative Staging and Direction
Under Daryl Cloran's direction, the production employs innovative staging that mirrors Loman's fractured reality. The set dissolves between locations—from home to office to anonymous motel room—with a single doorway serving as a constant through-line. Musicians and actors move among multiple pianos and upright basses, sometimes playing, sometimes simply observing, creating an almost Greek chorus effect that attends to Loman's tragedy.
A Production Worth Experiencing
This Death of a Salesman production continues the Citadel Theatre's tradition of presenting classic works with contemporary relevance. The examination of the American Dream's promises and failures resonates as strongly today as it did in 1949, making this a particularly timely presentation for modern audiences.
The production features a strong ensemble cast including Tess Degenstein, Jeff Gladstone, Christina Nguyen, and Morgan Yamada alongside the principal actors. With tickets starting at $40 and available through the Citadel website, this represents an accessible opportunity to experience one of theater's most important works in a fresh, compelling interpretation.
