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Albert Lea Community Theatre will hold the opening night of their latest production, “All My Sons,” on Thursday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

The classic play, written by Arthur Miller, tells the story of a family in post-World War II who must confront the true cost of their actions when they learn about secrets and decisions made during the war. It explores themes such as loyalty, morality and accountability.

The play contains references to mental health including references to suicide. There is also a gunshot sound effect during the play. Because this material could be distressing to audience members, discretion is advised. Audience members are welcome to step out of the theater at any time, and the theater thanks the community for their understanding.

The play is directed by Christy Fuller, who also directed “Almost Maine” and “Drinking Habits.”

Brian Mattson serves as the assistant director of the production, as well as playing the role of Jim Bayliss, the neighborhood doctor. Mattson has worked on many other plays for ACT in both acting and directing roles.

“Arthur Miller plays tend to be real heavy dramas,” Mattson said, explaining people may be familiar with Miller’s other well-known work such as “The Crucible” and “Death of a Salesman.”

“It’s a classic drama. This has been done for years,” he said.

When it comes to portraying nuanced emotions like grief or anger, he said the cast has been very good at taking on the challenge.

“They seem to have the natural ability to know where their character should go with it, which has been fun,” he said.

Mattson said he hopes the audience ultimately feels like they have gone through a journey alongside the family after the play has ended.

Tony Huizinga plays the role of Chris Keller, one of the main characters in the show.

“He is a man who has gone through the war, had big responsibilities, is suffering from a bit of PTSD and has become a bit of an idealist after what he saw in that war,”

Huizinga said of his character. “He has to confront his father about things that he learned his father did during the war and he’s not happy about.”

The themes of the play, he said, are personal for him as his father was a Vietnam War veteran who also suffered traumatic experiences. Huizinga said he hopes the play helps people better understand the challenges soldiers go through and how theu shape the way they view the world.

Robert McComas-Wood plays the character Joe Keller, the patriarch of the family. McComas-Wood said while he did not know a lot about the play prior to auditioning, he was aware of the historical context as he used to teach history. This was helpful, he said, in developing his portrayal of the character.

He explained he built the character around the principles of money and family, which were important factors for many people following the Depression.

The character Joe is complicated, he said, and he did a lot of research for the role.

“This has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a challenge,” he said.

Kaylynn Rose will be making her ACT acting debut in this production. She plays the character Lydia Lubey, a next-door neighbor of the Keller family.

“I feel like she’s kind of symbolic of oblivion,” Rose said, explaining that her character brings a lightness to the show during moments of high tension. “I think maybe there’s more depth to her than you see, but she’s just a happy girl … It’s fun to be her.”

Rose said she hopes the play transports the audience to a different time and gives them a new perspective on what it was like to be a family affected by the war.

Performances for “All My Sons” will take place Thursday through Sunday and from March 19 through 22. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday’s performance being a matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 877-730-3144 (service fees apply), online at actonbroadway.com or the box office. Tickets are also available at the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information, visit www.actonbroadway.com.

Cast and crew
Director: Christy Fuller
Assistant director: Brian Mattson

Joe Keller: Robert McComas-Wood
Kate Keller: Sue Wiersma
Chris Keller: Tony Huizinga
Anne Deever: Rachel Hall
George Deever: Tony Segura
Jim Bayless: Brian Mattson
Sue Bayless: Kristan Dye
Frank Lubey: Dan Montenegro
Lydia Lubey: Kaylynn Rose
Bert: Abraham Gonzales

Technical director/set designer: Mark Bartleson
Lighting designer: Dietrich Poppen
Stage manager: Bre Estes
Production manager: Phil Hanson
Props, set dressing: Christy Fuller
Costumes: Elizabeth Harty, cast members
Lights: Ben Schlaak
Sound: Maya Fuller
Photography/videography: Kris Bartley, Phil Hanson, Aaron McVicker