Following weeks of rehearsals, the cast of GWB Entertainment and Red Line Productions Death of a Salesman have taken to the stage of Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in preparation for the official opening of Arthur Miller’s timeless Pulitzer Prize-winning classic on Thursday 7 September 2023.
In an unmissable experience for Australian theatregoers, Emmy®, Golden Globe®, and Tony Award®-winner Anthony LaPaglia will take on the role of Willy Loman, marking his mainstage debut in his home country.
Alison Whyte takes on the role of Linda Loman, portraying the complex and devoted wife of the failing salesman. Steve Bastoni embodies the character of Charley, Willy’s loyal friend, while Richard Piper takes on Ben Loman, Willy’s enigmatic and successful older brother.
Josh Helman will play Biff, Willy’s troubled son – the golden boy who has descended into self-doubt and despair and Sean Keenan plays Biff’s feckless brother Happy.
Completing the company is Elizabeth Blackmore (Belvoir B sharp’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Supernatural) Manali Datar (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Emilia), Simon Maiden (Come From Away, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Admissions), Louisa Migone (The Twelve, Wentworth), Grant Piro (ABC’s UTOPIA, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor) Tom Stokes (Melbourne Theatre Company’s Pygmalion).
Death of a Salesman will feature set design by Dale Ferguson, costume design by Dale Ferguson and Sophie Woodward, lighting design by Niklas Pajanti, music by Alan John, and sound design by David Greasley.
Director Neil Armfield, celebrated for his prowess in bringing powerful stories to life, guides the cast through Miller’s profound and moving narrative that explores the pursuit of success and the post-war American Dream. Armfield has established himself as a visionary director capable of illuminating theatrical classics to create unmissable theatrical experiences.
“For the first time in the history of Her Majesty’s Theatre, Death of a Salesman will take the stage, featuring a world class company of actors lead by the great Anthony Lapaglia,” said the producers at GWB Entertainment & Red Line Productions. “We feel privileged and excited to now add the final (and most special) ingredient, welcoming audiences into the theatre.”
A gripping and emotional exploration of the American Dream and its consequences, Death of a Salesman has resonated with audiences for generations. With its profound themes and timeless relevance, Miller’s masterpiece continues to thrill audiences with its deep insights into the human psyche and its brilliant portrayal of our vulnerability, hope and despair.
This strictly limited seven-week Melbourne-exclusive season, offers theatregoers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the power of live theatre in a transformative experience.
Death of a Salesman
Her Majesty’s Theatre 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season: 7 September – 15 October 2023 (previews continues to 6 September)
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.salesmanaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: Anthony LaPaglia stars as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman – photo by James Houston