DANVILLE —
In celebration of its 75th year, the Red Mask Players will open its fall season with “All My Sons” — the first in a series of outstanding shows from the past. Performances are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Nov. 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19 at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, 601 N. Vermilion St. Curtain times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
This electrifying show by Arthur Miller was named Best Play of 1947 by the New York Drama Critics Circle. Red Mask originally presented “All My Sons” on the Kathryn Randolph Theatre stage in 1953.
Set in the years following World War II, the story line follows two families torn apart by decisions and circumstance. During the war, Joe Keller and Steve Deever ran a machine shop where they made airplane parts. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out a batch of defective parts that caused the deaths of many pilots. Keller was set free, however, and continued as a successful shop owner.
There’s the drama of a love affair between Keller’s son, Chris, and his former partner’s daughter, Ann Deever.
That conflict and the bitterness of George Deever, who has returned from the war to find his father in prison and Joe Keller a free man, creates a dramatic structure of almost unbearable power.
Director Dave Downing has been involved with about 50 shows for Red Mask and other local theater groups during the years. His experience as a director of drama includes John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” in 2000.
“We have an exceptional cast for this play that promises to endear the audience,” he said. “We have one young man, Gabe Smith, who plays young Bert,” he added. “I imagine he will steal the show.”
Downing said, “Most people who come to the Red Mask enjoy a good drama such as ‘All My Sons,’ and anybody who holds a particular interest in World War II history should especially appreciate this production.”
The Nov. 11 performance will be dedicated to all veterans. There will be several special events that evening, including a recognition from the stage of veterans in the audience and an invitation to a special reception with the cast following the performance.
“We are encouraging veterans to make their play reservations for the evening of Nov. 11th,” Downing said.
The stage manager for “All My Sons” is Gail Garner and the producer is Robert Hous.
The cast includes Sonny Downing as Joe Keller and Nancy Henderson as his wife, Kate Keller; Chad Myler as Chris Keller; Gabe Smith as Bert, a neighbor; Catherine Jefferson as Ann Deever; Steve Drollinger as George Deever; and Dave Techtow as Dr. Jim and Julia Reynolds as Sue Bayless, the Kellers’ neighbors. There also are Rick Prentice and Leslie Van Camp, who play the neighbors Frank and Lydia Lubby.
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Chad Myler, Nancy Handerson and Catherine Jefferson rehearse a scene from Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre. Photo Provided
Discussion
Players reprise drama
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