Download press release - Theatre Memphis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
December 24, 2013
Randall Hartzog
Theatre Memphis, Director of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
901.682.8601
Respect Is Paid to Death of a Salesman at Theatre Memphis
Memphis, TN – Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning drama comes to life on the Lohrey
Stage at Theatre Memphis January 24 – February 9, 2014. Willy Loman, one of the most famous characters in the history
of the American theater, is a tortured soul hoping for a better life for his wife and sons. Reconciliation and forgiveness will
come at a price as a secret is revealed … changing all their lives. In this American classic piece of theater a working class
family stands divided.
Director Tony Isbell has blogged about the process of putting together such an iconic production. On Broadwayworld.com
he talks of the approach of beginning such a feat and will take it through the opening night. He first questions himself, “Did
I have any fresh insights to bring to the show?” and “Would enough people turn out to audition…?” There was a moment’s
hesitation to agree to the role of directing, but the opportunity far outweighed the concerns.
Further in his blog Isbell states, “Having made my decision, the first order of business was to have auditions.” He
continues, “Not only did I have the ‘right’ people, I had that problem that every director both wants and dreads: I had to
make choices….” Executive Producer at TheatreMemphis Debbie Litch singles out Isbell as a director who attracts talent.
“Tony has a great reputation for quality work. It is so important to Theatre Memphis to have that quality in a director which
actors choose to work with on a complicated, dramatic piece. We couldn’t be happier with the cast.”
Starring in the role of the lead, Willy Loman, is James Dale Green, a veteran Memphis actor who last was seen on the TM
stage as the blind man in Young Frankenstein. The two roles could not be more different than comedy and drama itself
but the range of work from Green has proven his abilities. Playing Willy’s wife, Linda, is Janie Paris (who has portrayed
the role twice before), and the sons Biff and Happy are played by accomplished actors John Moore and Greg Earnest,
respectively. The cast rounds out with Jody Kostner, Shannon Leonard, Timothy Burke, Jim Palmer, Matthew Hamner,
Rachel A. Strickland, Chad Hoy, Elliott Heck and Jamie Broadway.
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TITLE: Death of a Salesman
WRITTEN BY: Arthur Miller
DIRECTOR: Tony Isbell
VENUE AND ADDRESS: Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117
RUN DATES: January 24—February 9, 2014
TIMES OF SHOWS: Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays
TICKETS: $25 adults, $15 students with valid ID
BOX OFFICE: 901.682.8323
WEB: www.theatrememphis.org
SPONSORED BY:Midsouth Grain Inspection Service
MEDIA SPONSOR: The Best Times
Production photos available 1/21/14.
Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins Extended and Southern) and is a
community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants.
Theatre Memphis receives season sponsorship and funding from: