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Seeing this play is a reminder of my college days when I enthusiastically read just a small snippet of the intense dialogue that was Willy Loman's, the tragic main character in this Arthur Miller drama originally penned in 1949. I was also able to see it when Judd Hirsch masterfully claimed Willy as his own self, touring North America in the late 90's. So much to live up to Soulpepper.

This time around, my wife and I were in the Bailey Theatre and I was instantly put on edge due to the what had to be the crappiest seats in the house, sitting sideways, right at the back near the exit. Note to self: check the (hard to find) seating map before purchasing next time. But hey, I figured we would be the first to our car after the final bow.

What strikes me more than ever, and maybe it was the production - I am really not sure, was how the time of the setting for this play seems not so nostalgic anymore to me, but more depressing. Even though the tone of the play is sombre to say the least, nostalgia is something that viewers can relate to and feel "warm" about. Soulpepper's production did not do that for me, and honestly I had a dreary feeling throughout the performance.

The opening scene did not help much either as the tone was too quiet, almost uninspired and for the most part I couldn't see the actors as they seemed to be talking into downward. It clearly lacked the passion as Willy's troubled drive home was discussed with seemingly little passion.

That did not last long however as by the second scene, all of the actors sparked up and added clarity and vocality to the characters, especially Biff and Happy - even if they were overplayed in some sequences. 

I also had a bit of an issue with the stage setting as the office and funeral scenes were basically taking place in the kitchen, with little regard for proper dimming or scen changes in the the background. Linda Loman basically said her final words to Willy through the kitchen floor. There did not seem to be a lack of space, so I wonder why they did not use it better. 

The Soulpepper production is good enough, and the lead actors, (who are married in real life by the way), Joseph Zeigler and Nancy Palk really make you want the production to be a huge success. However, even though it is now extended, I feel there just could have been stronger connection with the plot and the audience. What this play did do for me, was ensure that this is the last time I would ever see Death of a Salesman, and that's not because it was bad, but more so because I feel less nostalgia for that era after watching it again. Maybe that has more to do with the actual original writing, that it does this production, so for that, it's time to put this salesman to bed forever.

But hey, for $50 it's a good night out.