What the critics are saying . . .
about Keegan's 'Death of a Salesman'
"-Live Theatre Just Doesn't Get Any Better Than This! . . . Dorothy Neumann's sensitive direction hits all the right notes . . . she has elicited superlative turns from every single member of the cast . . . Pulling it all together is Hemmingsen's flawless, heartbreaking portrayal of Willy. Not only are his line readings masterful, but he gives an excellent physical performance as well . . .Keegan has outdone themselves with a brilliant rendition of Miller's masterpiece . . ."
DC Examiner review by Doug Krentzlin
Visit www.dcexaminer.com
". . .-Completely riveting!. . .Director Dorothy Neumann's production is taut and well defined . . . Brian Hemmingsen's Willy Loman is mesmerizing . . . Dan Martin's lighting thrives on the grays and shadows of the space . . . Mark Rhea illuminates a tortured Biff . . . run to Church Street and take in this wonderful performance yourself."
Curtain Up review by Rich See
Visit www.curtainup.com
". . . Keegan Theatre's solid production . . . Directed by Dorothy Neumann and performed by a seasoned cast, it ably captures the sadness of dreams crushed and respect denied. Miller's seminal work still rings true after 57 years. . . . Keegan's production is well-acted and heartfelt."
Sun Gazette review by Brian Trompeter
Visit www.sungazette.net
" Fine talent abounds in Keegan’s cast lead by local favorites Brian Hemmingsen and Charlotte Akin as Willy Loman and his wife . . .Keegan’s season has been a delightful collection of classic Americana. . . .Keegan stands strong as one of DC’s most respected theatre companies." DC Theatre Reviews review by Ronnie Ruff
"Brian Hemmingsen is outstanding as the sunken Willy Loman. Charlotte Akin is also wonderful and supportive as his wife, Linda. A team of regulars round out this not-to-be missed experience including artistic director, Mark Rhea, who plays the subdued son, Biff; Susan Marie Rhea, plays a diversion for Willy; David Jourdan plays a considerate friend who tries to help plus other essential players. Veteran area director, Dorothy Neumann, lays out a clear picture on the Church Street Theater stage."
". . . Brian Hemmingsen's Willy is a soft-spoken giant lumbering stoop-shouldered to the stage, almost immediately revealing the dreamer who still resides in the shell of a man that others see. . . . Few patrons will be startled at the events of Death of a Salesman, but that doesn't really diminish their power. Dorothy Neumann's understated staging for the Keegan Theatre is all about letting the play do the work. No surprises, no showboating, but attention is paid to the language--and to the dreams of an Everyman we all somehow know better than he knew himself."
"There are many reasons to see Keegan Theatre's production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman but there is one major reason not to miss it...and that is Brian Hemmingsen in the role of Willy Loman. . .as powerful and convincing as any of the previous "big" stars that portrayed this tragic figure. His performance is highly recommended."
"[Hemmingsen] is surrounded by some fine talent. Charlotte Akin does nicely with the role of his wife and her final, graveside scene is quite affecting. Mike Innocenti successfully tackles the always difficult role of the oh-so-shallow youngest son . . .David Jourdan delivers a nicely crafted rendition of the next door neighbor who tries to help Willy without embarrassing him. . .Christopher Dinolfo grows from teenage neighborhood nerd to mature success as Jourdan's son. . .and Susan Marie Rhea finds the balance between seductiveness and crass manipulation as the buyer's secretary . . ." Potomac Stages review by Brad Hathaway
| 
