by Cari Lynn Pace *
Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller’s powerful drama about a man spiraling into oblivion, is the latest triumph for Ross Valley Players at The Barn Theater above the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. Director Adrian Elfenbaum notes that nearly 100 actors auditioned for roles, an amazing turnout yet understandable given the gravitas of performing in an Arthur Miller play. The American playwright’s legacy continues to rivet audiences with his exploration of moral dilemnas and poignant themes.
Charles Queary does a magnificent job as Willy Loman, the heart of his family as he pursues the American dream. He’s fading, and failing, and he knows it but can’t admit it to himself. He dwells on his missteps as his staunchly supportive wife Linda (a perfectly cast Mary Ann Rodgers) pushes him to a confidence he does not feel. Linda takes no prisoners as she badgers Willy to confront his boss for better territory. She is relentless as she cajoles their two sons to show respect and love for their father.
Evan Held and Brennan Pickman-Thoon are extraordinary as the Loman sons Happy and Biff, respectively. It’s a joy to watch them circle around their dad as high schoolers, jockeying for attention as they toss the football. In later scenes, they mature into young men with perfect swagger and mannerisms.
Willy can do nothing to influence his sons. His only recourse is to bolster their expectations as he bolsters his own. He’s part frustrated and part convinced he can make success happen if he had the right break. He and his sons look for the shortcuts and entitlements they believe they deserve. Disappointments lead to the eventual crash with reality.
Biff’s buddy Bernard, in a high-energy performance by Chris Jensen, tries to head off the impending storm to no avail while Bernard’s father (versatile Steve Price) throws lifesaver options to Willy. Willy’s fantasy of not needing any help is steadfast. As the Bible’s book of Proverbs predicts, “Pride goeth before the fall.”
Willy’s older brother (Mark P. Robinson) appears and reappears like an apparition, bringing memories of lost opportunities front and center. When Willy is later forced to confront his young and unsympathetic boss (William Brosnahan) for a better territory, his demands bring sorry and predictable consequences.
I first saw Death of a Salesman 50 years ago and at that time I recall labelling Willy Loman as a deceitful loser. Faced now with first-hand experience of what the ravages of dementia can do to a loved one, I am sympathetic with Willy’s plight. He’s only 63, but he’s confused and rudderless. When pushed, he pushes back out of control. His filters are gone, and he succumbs to pleasures with an out-of-town gal (Ilana Niernberger) to mask his sense of uselessness.
Death of a Salesman is extraordinarily acted on a sparse and ethereal stage designed by Ron Krempetz. Lighting by Robin DeLuca is equally stark and lets the viewer focus on the profound stage drama as it unfolds.
RVP took a risk taking on this complex and highly emotional drama when musicals and comedies are drawing full houses. They hit the jackpot.
Don’t miss it!
Playing through October 25, 2026 in The Barn Theater at the Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross.
Click HERE for more information and tickets.
Photos by Robin Jackson
Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers and a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle and Marquee Theater Journalists Association.
