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ICT MainStage concluded its critically acclaimed run of All My Sons last night in the Dupree Theater at the Irving Arts Center.  As an actor, few plays hold for me as much dramatic impact as does this Arthur Miller classic.  This was my second time in less than a year to be instrumental in re-introducing this American classic to the public consciousness and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

The success of a play, especially one’s first success, is somewhat like pushing against a door which is suddenly opened from the other side. One may fall on one’s face or not, but certainly a new room is opened that was always securely shut until then. For myself, the experience was invigorating. It made it possible to dream of daring more and risking more. The audience sat in silence before the unwinding of All My Sons and gasped when they should have, and I tasted that power which is reserved, I imagine, for playwrights, which is to know that by one’s invention a mass of strangers has been publicly transfixed.  — Arthur Miller

I am grateful to ICT for giving me the opportunity to explore the character of George over the last six weeks of rehearsals and performances.  To our director, Marco Salinas, I extend heartfelt thanks for knowing exactly when to pull me back and when to drop the reins and allow me to run free.  To the cast — Micheal, Diane, Catherine, Jordan, Diana, Fred, Paul and Drew — I offer my deepest appreciation for your talent, commitment and devotion; it was a pleasure sharing the stage with you.  And for those of you who saw the play, thank you for allowing us to share a bit of our lives with you.  We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did bringing it to life.

In the closing of Miller’s play, Chris tells us “there’s a whole universe of people outside and you’re responsible to it.”  He calls us to recognize something bigger than ourselves, our families, our countries.  While I’m not sure Miller and I would have agreed on everything, I do agree there is a something beyond our ability to fully comprehend or appreciate, a loving Entity to whom we are ultimately responsible.  To Him, I reserve my deepest gratitude for this experience, all the others past and those yet to come.

ICT MainStage enters the final weekend of its production of Arthur Miller’s classic American drama, All My Sons.  The critically acclaimed production has only three performances left, beginning at 8 PM tonight in the Dupree Theater at the Irving Arts Center.  Hailed by Edge Dallas as “an inspired, intense, enervating drama,” All My Sons is a show you do not want to miss.

I have been privileged to work with an amazing cast and crew on this production.  Below are bios of our amazing ensemble of talent:

PAUL ARNOLD (Frank Lubey) is better known in Dallas as a lighting designer, with shows at Theatre Three, Theatre Too, Garland Civic Theatre, and Theatre Coppell. This is his second role in Dallas, and is debuting with ICT.  Some favorite roles include Marcellus/THE MUSIC MAN, Drake/HONK!, Hero/FORUM, Albert/DEAR RUTH, Pedant/TAMING OF THE SHREW, and Foreman/12 ANGRY MEN.

LYZZ BROSKEY (Lydia Lubey) is making her debut with ICT. Lyzz recently appeared as Gayle in Black Box Operations’ production of ALMOST, MAINE. She is a 2nd semester student in the Career Acting program at KD Studio in Dallas.

CATHERINE DuBORD (Ann Deever) is thrilled to be back on stage with ICT MainStage. She was last seen making her New York debut with The Modern Stage in MY FAVORITE ANIMAL.  She graduated from SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Acting. Her favorite theatrical credits from Dallas/Ft. Worth include PILLOWMAN (Kitchen Dog Theatre), PROOF (ICT MainStage), POPCORN (Theatre Three), LUANN HAMPTON LAVERTY OBERLANDER and SYLVIA (Contemporary Theatre of Dallas), and EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK (Classical Acting Company). You can see Catherine next in SOME GIRL(S) with Second Thought Theatre. As always much love to Mom, Dad and the boys. Ms. DuBord is represented by The Mary Collins Agency.

DIANA GONZALEZ (Sue Bayliss)  is very excited to be a part of ALL MY SONS with ICT. A graduate of the University of Dallas, Diana has also received extensive training through The Actors Conservatory Theatre Summer Intensive Program in San Francisco, California. She has been seen on many stages around Dallas including Cara Mia, Groundhog Theatre, as well as Risk Theatre Initiative.  Some of Diana’s favorite performance credits include PINKALICIOUS, VOLPONE, AS YOU LIKE IT, THREE SISTERS, CLOUD TECTONICS, NIGHT TRAIN TO BOLINA, THE FESTIVITIES, THE FORCED MARRIAGE, ANOUILH’S ANTIGONE, HAMLET, and THE SLEEP OF REASON.  She would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew and her amazing family and friends for their never-ending love and support.

MICHAEL MCNIEL (Joe Keller) was last seen on the ICT stage as Howard Bevans in PICNIC.  Other roles have included The Skipper/GILLIGAN’S ISLAND:  THE MUSICAL, Gerald Gannett/WOMAN IN MIND (Rover Dramawerks), Manolo Costazuela/THE ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION), Linus Larrabee, Jr./SABRINA FAIR and Dr. Phillip Thorwold/NOTORIOUS, PSYCHO BIRDS IN THE NORTH BY NORTHWEST REAR WINDOW (The Pocket Sandwich Theatre).  Michael would like to thank Marco Salinas for allowing him to work with such a talented cast.

FRED PATCHEN (Dr. Jim Bayliss) This is the Fred’s first production with ICT.  Some of his more recent work includes shows with Pocket Sandwich Theatre, Garland Civic Theatre and Project X.  He dearly thanks his family and Gary for their constant love and encouragement, and all of his friends who supported him in getting back on stage.

DREW SMITH (Bert) is making his first appearance at ICT.  He has previously been seen in church performances as Drew/FISH TALES and Jackson/LIVING INSIDE OUT.  He is thrilled to be making his debut in public theater with this performance.  When he isn’t acting, he plays baseball and basketball in Irving and attends The North Hills Preparatory School where he is in 3rd grade.  He would like to thank his parents and sister for their support and encouragement.

BRAD STEPHENS (George Deever) is an award-winning filmmaker and actor with more than 20 years of film and television experience.  He has been in commercials for Pepsi, Southwest Airlines and Joe’s Crab Shack.  His local stage credits include Olsen in ICT’s LAURA, Bob Cratchit in EBENEZER SCROOGE, Canon Pennefather in MURDER ON THE NILE and Chris Keller in Mesquite Community Theatre’s ALL MY SONS for which he received MCT’s 2008 People’s Choice Award.  Brad is privileged to return to this material and to ICT.  His gratitude goes out to this wonderful cast and director, his supportive family and devoted wife.

DIANE TRUITT (Kate Keller) is glad to be performing with ICT MainStage after a long absence. Diane has appeared over the years in various productions locally and out of state, most recently as Elaine Wheeler in NIGHT WATCH at Rotunda Theatre in Dallas.

JORDAN WILLIS (Chris Keller) is thrilled to be returning to ICT MainStage having last appeared as Hal in last season’s PROOF.  He was most recently seen in Theatre Three’s production of MURDER ON THE NILE as Smith.  Jordan is proud to serve on the boards for both John Garcia’s The Column as well as ICT. Other ICT roles include Anthony Marston/TEN LITTLE INDIANS, Shelby Carpenter/LAURA, and Gideon Temple/THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER. Jordan wishes to thank Marco for this awesome experience!! “Ab imo pectore”

MARCO E. SALINAS (Director) is delighted to return to ICT MainStage, having previously directed PICNIC there in 2007. His most recent directorial efforts include THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH in 2007 and TWELFTH NIGHT in 2005, both for Shakespeare Dallas. He is also The Director of Educational Tours with Shakespeare Dallas, having written and directed local school tours for over seven years. As an actor, he most recently appeared at ICT in their production of THE SECRET GARDEN as Dr. Neville Craven, for which he was given a Leon Rabin Award nomination. Marco works predominantly as a local area sound designer, having designed over 100 shows in the last decade for companies such as Dallas Children’s Theater, WaterTower Theatre, Contemporary Theatre of Dallas and Echo Theatre.  Additionally, he has won several awards for his work as Sound Designer.

WADE GIAMPA (Set Designer) This is Wade’s third show with ICT. He is one of the three busiest set designers in Dallas.

SUZI CRANFORD (Costume Designer)  is happy to be working with ICT MainStage for a third time. Her work was seen in SHAKESPERE FOR THE MODERN MAN, LESSON ONE MACBETH last year, and AN AMERICAN DAUGHTER two seasons ago. She currently serves as design associate at Dallas Costume Shoppe.Thank you, ICT, for a wonderful opportunity and experience (as always!)

SAM NANCE (Lighting Designer) is pleased to be designing ALL MY SONS.  He has designed numerous shows for ICT MainStage  where his most recent work was SHERLOCK’S LAST CASE  and NOISES OFF.  He is the resident lighting designer for Pegasus Theatre where he has lit their innovative “living black and white” shows for a number of years as well as their more colorful presentations.  Other companies that have seen his light, include the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, Dallas Theater Center, Theatre Britain, the Lois Pope Theater in Florida and Theatre Three.  Shows include WOODY GUTHRIES AMERICAN SONG, THE LION IN WINTER, CATHOLIC SCHOOL GIRLS, AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM.  He has received two Column Awards for his lighting of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA and NINE at ICT.

FERNANDO LARA (Properties Designer)  has worked on many shows for ICT MainStage and ICT Theatre On The Edge. Fernando was Stage Manager for THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT and Assistant Stage Manager for DRACULA, SHAKESPEARE FOR THE MODERN MAN-LESSON 1: MACBETH, PROOF and Co-Producer of the critically acclaimed award winning musical NINE.  Fernando has worked as an Actor, Sound Designer and Stage Manager for TV, Film and Theater for many years.

JO ANNE HULL (Set Dressing) has designed props and set dressing for many ICT shows including BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, CRIMES OF THE HEART, NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY, PROOF and most recently, SHERLOCK’S LAST CASE.  She enjoys the challenge of those “just right and hard to find” items that allow her to indulge and excuse her attraction to thrift shops, garage sales and antique stores.  Jo Anne is an ICT Board Member.
 
TOM ORTIZ (Stage Manager) is grateful to once again stage manage a great classic directed by such an inspiring director and all star cast. Tom appreciates that his family and friends always support his endeavors and especially those here at ICT.

The Arthur Miller play will run through Saturday, June 13, 2009.  All performances will be held at the Dupree Theater in the Irving Arts Center located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062. Tickets may be purchased by visiting irvingtheatre.org or by calling 972-252-2787.

ICT theatergoers will have the opportunity to experience the work of one of America’s greatest playwrights when “All My Sons” is performed May 29 through June 13 at the IAC Dupree Theater.

All My Sons won Tony Awards for Arthur Miller for Best Author and Elia Kazan for Best Director when it debuted on Broadway in 1947. Restaged in 1987, All My Sons earned the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. A 2008 Broadway revival starring John Lithgow, Diana Weist, and Katie Holmes also received critical acclaim.

Inspired by a true story, the play deals with how business conducted without ethics can destroy the lives of others. Joe Keller becomes a successful businessman by selling defective airplane parts to the U.S. government that result in the deaths of World War II servicemen and the imprisonment of his business partner. The personal stories constructed to cover up loss and guilt eventually unravel, forcing all to confront the truth.

Diane Truitt plays Kate Keller; Michael McNiel is Joe Keller. Photo by Mike Morgan.

ICT MainStage has assembled a stellar cast of talent to perform one of the most powerful works in the American theater. Stage favorite Michael McNiel takes the part of Joe Keller, whose pursuit of success destroys the domestic tranquility he worked hard to achieve. Diane Truitt makes her longawaited return to ICT as Joe’s wife, Kate, who believes in the eventual appearance of their son Larry, missing in action during wartime service.

Theater talent Jordan Willis is back at ICT in the role of Keller’s younger son, Chris, a service veteran who desires to marry his missing brother’s girlfriend. Catherine DuBord adds to her bountiful stage credits the role of Ann Deever, Larry’s girlfriend and the daughter of Joe’s imprisoned former business partner.

Stage and screen vet Brad Stephens is also back at ICT as Ann’s brother George Deever. Theater pro Fred Patchen makes his ICT debut as Dr. Jim Bayliss, family friend of the Kellers. Popular stage talent Diana Gonzalez takes the part of Sue, wife of Dr. Bayliss and a Keller family friend.

Paul Arnold steps out from behind his familiar stage lighting role in his debut as Frank Lubey, who keeps alive the belief in Larry’s eventual return home. Promising theater student Lyzz Broskey makes a memorable ICT debut as Lydia Lubey, Frank’s wife. Taking his first public stage bows is third grader Drew Smith as Bert, a neighborhood boy and frequent visitor to the Keller home.

Marco E. Salinas is again in the ICT MainStage director’s chair, bringing numerous director credits and sound design awards with him. Much-in-demand set designer Wade Giampa and costume designer Suzi Cranford work their magic at ICT for a third time.

Column Award winner Sam Nance again adds his lighting design genius to an ICT production and is joined by all-around ICT vet Fernando Lara as property designer. ICT MainStage favorite Tom Ortiz is back to stage manage the production, while Jo Anne Hull is again in charge of set dressing. ICT MainStage vets Evelyn G. Hall, Mary Bongfeldt, and Binnie Tomaro handle producer responsibilities.

A powerful theater experience, All My Sons is a play not to be missed. For ticket information and reservations, call (972) 252-2787 or go on-line at www.irvingtheatre.org.

Performances are Fri. and Sat. May 29, 30 and June 5, 6, 12, 13, at 8 00p.m. Thursday, June 4, 11, at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 7 at 2:30 pm. at the Dupree Theater, Irving Arts Center 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Tickets prices are Thursday: Adults $15 and Seniors/Students $13. Friday – Sunday: Adults $18 and Seniors/Students $16. Student Rush – $5 cash 5 minutes before curtain if seats are available.

— The Irving Journal, May 26, 2009