The Price: A Philly Reunion

Penned by Arthur Miller, this deeply moving drama tells the tale of two long estranged middle-aged brothers. Nostalgia and recrimination erupt as they sell off an attic full of furniture, their last link to a family and a world that no longer exists. As they reunite to sell off the remains of their father's possessions, old wounds are re-opened and they are forced to deal with each other and the choices they have made.  In the tradition of Death of a Salesman, this compassionate story gives us a rare insight into an all-American family.

This is indeed a reunion on two levels.  Forty years ago The Price premiered in Philadelphia at the Walnut Street Theater in January 1968 as it was in its tryout phase and on its way to Broadway.  This is not only the play that comes home but also it is the home of the production's star. At the age of 77, Robert Prosky a native son of  Philadelphia, Manayunk to be specific, is joined by his two actor sons Andy, 42 who plays a middle aged- middle- class cop Victor Franz, and John ,45 who plays a wealthy surgeon.

 Set Designer Robert Kramer transforms The Walnut stage into the spacious attic of a four story Manhattan Brownstone jam packed from floor to rafters with furniture, clothing and family memories.  Director Michael Carleton is "intimately familiar with the material" and the Prosky father & sons (along with Leisa Mather, playing Esther Franz), having directed this production with the same cast for Cape May Stage in 2006.

Robert Prosky plays the wily, whimsical, dry witted furniture dealer hired by Victor to give an assestment and price on the contents of the attic to sell prior to the building being demolished.  After 16 years in waiting both the untouched room and the brothers are reunited to conclude the deal. 

Victor and his wife Esther are the first to arrive to reassess the family's possessions as well as their lives that have been less than fulfilling in their eyes.  An array of memories pour forth from Victor who had hoped his brother Walter would break his estranged abandonment and respond to his calls.  Nonetheless the deal was to be made.

 The seemingly uncomplicated situation turns into a challenge of wits as the aged Gregory Solomon, ( Robert Prosky) the appraiser shuffles up the stairs. The old codger is reluctant to give Victor a price without a thorough conversation about life; both his and others.

When Walter appears unexpectedly in the final scene of Act one, the audience is prepped for a family journey.  Victor is both astonished and confused at his decision to show up after so long and this leads into a lengthy passionate debate about loyalty, guilt, resentment and misunderstandings. 

As a large armchair sits center stage as the representative of their father, the brothers launch into an emotional showdown.  The clever appraiser has decided to have a senior spell and goes off to a side room to rest, only to appear at the most inappropriately heated moments of this heart spilling battle.

The Prosky brothers passionately capture the audience into their web of twisted motives as they jockey for sympathy as to who was the greedy one? Who was the victim? Who sacrificed more to become who and what they are today?

Victor's wife, Esther (Leisa Mather) seems to have stepped into a situation that defies any resolve and is unsuccessful in any attempt to do so.

John (Walter) drums up all his fortitude to confess his secret life to regain his brother while Andy (Victor) angrily unleashes his feelings, only to break down tearfully. The chemistry of  John and Andy Prosky, being fleshy brothers seemingly proves to be one of the most convincing pieces of acting to play out onstage.

In a recent interview,* Robert Prosky was asked whether playing the role of an 89-year-old man resonates in his own life.  Prosky, sitting in the father's armchair, says: "Solomon, the survivor, as he laughs at his own courage and foolishness at the end of the play, recognizes the tragedy and the absurdity of human existence".

Prosky had appeared in more than 200 plays on Broadway including Glengary Glenross, A Walk in the Woods, and A View From the Bridge. Highlights from his 23 years at Arena Stage include Death of A Salesman, Twelfth Night, and You Can't Take it With You. His films include Mrs. Doubtfire, The Natural and Dead Man Walking. TV credits include three years on Hill Street Blues.

As Prosky concludes, "I find myself thinking more and more about the panorama of life. As George Burns said, "I can't die. I'm booked".

The Price plays at the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA   through March 2. For tickets and information: 215-574-3550 or 215-336-1234 or www.walnutstreettheatre.org

Photos: John Prosky, Andy Prosky and Robert Prosky (by Clem Muray, Phila Inq); l-r: John Prosky, Andy Prosky and Robert Prosky in The Price (courtesy Walnut Street Theatre)

* Phila. Inquirer Interview:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/toby_zinman/20080120_A_homecoming_for_Dad__sharing_stage_with_2_sons.html

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