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Stage Left by Matt Dorman

I wanted to help get the word out about our local ACT Theater’s performance of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.” I was invited to watch a dress rehearsal of this thought-provoking play.

Set in post World War II America, it begins with a small gathering introducing the characters, but it quickly begins to explore important ideas for every American to consider. As I watched the play, I reflected on the cost of war on the men (and today we would add women) who answer our nation’s call to arms, the grief of families back home coping with loss and the responsibility of those who remain on the homefront to faithfully support our combatants abroad.

Often media, especially Hollywood, focuses on the glory and heroism of war (and it is hard to compete with the adrenaline pumping action of a war-movie), but often we aren’t forced to consider the repercussions of those horrifying action scenes on the people who survive and make it home, as well as their families. One of the characters, played adeptly by Tony Huzinga, is a veteran of World War II who led and lost men in combat as well as having a brother who became missing in action. These losses and the dramatic change from military back to civilian life make him question his purpose, and to not waste the life he gets to live in peace back home.

While watching, I was reminded of a quote from World War I veteran J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”

Tony’s character, Chris Keller, represented to me the noble and honorable soldier who takes neither pride or shame in the deeds of war, but does them because his people need him to. This loyalty and sense of duty in our service members is so valuable, and we must not take advantage of it. It should be a reminder to all of us, that when we, as a country, choose war (as sometimes countries must) that we pay in the lives and limbs of the typically young adults in their prime.

Most of the characters’ backgrounds are established in the first act of this play, but the tension ratchets up through Act II and Act III. Questions of honor, family and responsibility course through the final two acts. I would like to give special praise to Robert McComas Wood’s portrayal of Joe Keller. He plays the family patriarch and local business owner who attempts to guide the family through the challenging time we find the family in. He does a fantastic job acting through a huge range of emotions throughout the play.

I would highly recommend this show to anyone looking for a serious view of the consequences of war or in viewing an engaging drama with a few gut-wrenching twists, but it is worth pointing out the dark themes that may be present. The play does include references to suicide, loss and other highly sensitive ideas (though none done in view of the audience) so attendees may need to consider what they are comfortable with.

Thanks to the cast, crew and directors for allowing me to come and enjoy your rehearsal. You have all put together an excellent show that shows off our local talents and abilities. Bravo!

Matt Dorman is an Albert Lea School teacher and Albert Lea resident.