By Jarod Glou
Arthur Miller’s All My Sons is a gut-wrenching exploration of family, guilt, and the American Dream. The production currently running at the Virginia ARTfactory brings these themes to life in a striking and poignant way. From the moment the audience steps into the Wind River Theatre, you are fully immersed in the world that director Ahryel Tinker is creating. The set design is nothing short of spectacular. The meticulously crafted front lawn of the Kellers’, along with portions of the whole cul-de-sac, is beautiful. You truly feel transported back in time, as if you’re witnessing the tragic events of the Keller family unfold in their own front yard. The set ties quite well with the 1940s-style music playing in the background, evoking a calm, normal feeling of peace; however, once the play begins, you realize this family is anything but normal.
The performances in this production were a blend of captivating and, at times, uncomfortable brilliance. Scott Murphy-Neilson as the fast-talking Joe Keller puts in a performance layered with emotion, offering up a raw portrayal of a man trying to come to terms with his actions and their consequences. His nuanced facial expressions and complex character work make this performance not to be missed. Similarly, Kimberly Kemp as Kate Keller delivers a deeply relatable performance; you feel her pain, and by the end of the show, you want to believe with her in the hope of a brighter future. Rounding out the Keller family is Andrew Chi as Chris Keller, who presents a quieter, more anxious interpretation of a son struggling with his idealism and the weight of two families with a checkered past. Chi’s calm demeanor made the character’s romanticism of life compelling in a unique way.
The heart and soul of this cast was Raeanna Nicole Larson as Annie Deever, who arrives like a bolt of lightning, bringing fantastic energy and emotional depth. Her line delivery is impeccable, and her portrayal of a woman torn between the past and present created immense tension, especially in her scenes with Chris. Eleanor Tapscott as Sue Bayliss shines with her excellent comedic timing and expressive face, offering some moments of levity amid the otherwise heavy themes. Chris Beatley as her smooth-talking husband, Dr. Jim Bayliss, did well to complement Tapscott’s comedy with staunch realism.
The character of Frank Lubey (played by Devyn Tinker) skillfully said all the wrong things at the right moments and was a joy to watch. Lydia Lubey, portrayed by Anastasia Hanchak, brought a welcome liveliness and innocence that contrasted well with the somber tones of the family drama. Lastly, busting into the show in the middle of Act 2, like the trains that were so often audible from the nearby station, was Joshua Mutterperl as George Deever. Mutterperl is fiery and intense, his performance impossible to take your eyes off. While he was possibly a bit youthful for the part, his charisma was palpable and did well to create a complicated reaction from the audience of both hate and understanding.
The costumes (done by Charlynn Mills) were beautiful, evoking a strong 1940s vibe that made this writer feel like he was watching an episode of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The lighting design, by Ken and Patty Crowley, used cool tricks such as creating a window of light onstage, which helped create a sense of intimacy and closeness with the characters. It was a lovely touch that visually complemented the emotional intensity of the play.
The direction by Ahryel Tinker did a fantastic job in creating character development that had the audience reeled in from start to finish. The cast did feel a bit cramped together in the center at times and I would have liked to see more utilization of the full space. However, this did not take away from the smooth blending of comedy and drama that was masterfully executed.
The Virginia ARTfactory’s production of All My Sons is a deeply moving and visually stunning experience. From the impeccable performances to the atmospheric set and thoughtful direction, this show delivers a powerful reflection on the consequences of the American Dream. While there may be some outdated dialogue, the overall emotional arc of the play is undeniable. It’s a dark, thought-provoking journey that reminds us all that there is not always a happy ending. Treating others with respect and kindness is the only way to move forward.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission and one 5-minute intermission.
All My Sons plays through April 13, 2025, presented by the ARTfactory, performing at the Wind River Theatre, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA. Remaining performances are Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 pm; Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 pm; Friday, April 11, at 7:30 pm; Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 pm; and Sunday, April 13, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $33.65 and available online.
The program for All My Sons is online here.
