DEATH OF A SALESMAN 2026 Previews- Page 5

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 9:17am

I decided to wait a bit to see this based on the early reports that they might need some more time to find their characters and get the tone right and I'm glad I did. Last night, there was nothing to indicate any of the actors were in different shows, they were all uniformly brilliant. 

The mark of not just good actors but great actors is when they can take a piece like this, one that's been done countless times before by some of the best to ever live, and make those words seem like they were written for them and being spoken for the very first time. That's what Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf are doing at The Winter Garden and it's kind of astounding to witness. I agree that the show isn't at all swallowed up here and that's a feat in itself, on this stage and even moreso highlights the towering performances being given that they can fill the space. 

As much praise as I can put on those two, equal praise needs to be given to Christopher Abbott who, in that last scene, broke my heart more than any actor has done in quite a while. I don't think I've ever cried like that during that scene (or this play) but he broke me. In fact, when I talk about this production to people 10, 15 years from now, that might be the first thing I'll remember about it, I just know it's going to live in my head for the rest of my life. 

"Death of a Salesman" has always been known as one of, if not the greatest American play ever written and Mantello's production perfectly shows why that's true. 

[corninthesky]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 9:31am

Well said, Jordan. I haven’t been able to gather my thoughts on this since I saw it a few nights ago. It is truly that good. 

One piece that I will add: I thought the lighting design here was brilliant. This is the first production of “Salesman” that I have seen and the lighting differences between time periods really set the stage well for me. 

This truly deserves every ounce of praise it has gotten and will get. 

[east side story]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:06am

Well put. I think this production will receive quite a few critical valentines later today, and be a formidable presence this Tony cycle.

[TheOtherOne2]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:27am

Jordan Catalano said: "I decided to wait a bit to see this based on the early reports that they might need some more time to find their characters and get the tone right and I'm glad I did. Last night, there was nothing to indicate any of the actors were in different shows, they were all uniformly brilliant.

The mark of not just good actors but great actors is when they can take a piece like this, one that's been done countless times before by some of the best to ever live, and make those words seem like they were written for them and being spoken for the very first time. That's what Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf are doing at The Winter Garden and it's kind of astounding to witness….

As much praise as I can put on those two, equal praise needs to be given to Christopher Abbott who, in that last scene, broke my heart more than any actor has done in quite a while. I don't think I've ever cried like that during that scene (or this play) but he broke me. In fact, when I talk about this production to people 10, 15 years from now, that might be the first thing I'll remember about it, I just know it's going to live in my head for the rest of my life…"

Some posters complained earlier on that Abbott seemed a little lost as Biff in his earlier scenes, but I think his might be the most beautifully realized of the towering performances given by this cast. Abbott takes his time with Biff. We see him process the nostalgia of how he would like things to be, the temptation of seeing himself as Willy wants to see him and the reality of the situation he is in. His awakening to all he must move on from seems to happen right in front of our eyes, and is among the most devastating moments I’ve experienced from an audience, definitely the most I’ve experienced during a production of this play. 
 

I pray that this production is presented as a satellite broadcast, or filmed as some NT presentations are. The world should have a chance to see it. The world should always have a chance to see it.

 

Updated On: 4/9/26 at 10:27 AM

[Ensemble1728379893]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:38am

I pray that this production is presentedas a satellite broadcast, or filmed as some NT presentations are. Theworld should have a chance to see it. The world should always have a chance to see it.

"

Absolutely.  I think it is a masterpiece on all fronts.  Also, the score is used so precisely to accentuate some moments creating an effect that I have rarely experienced in a theatre.  I need a recording from Caroline Shaw right away!

[round2]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:52am

Saw this magnificent production a second time last night. It would truly be a shame if it's not taped and made widely available. One for the ages.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:53am

I'll be there at tonight's opening and I can't wait. 

I've read this play before but I haven't seen it, and it'll also be my first time seeing Metcalf in a show. 

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 11:20am

Ensemble1728379893 said: "


I pray that this production is presentedas a satellite broadcast, or filmed as some NT presentations are. Theworld should have a chance to see it. The world should always have a chance to see it.

"

Absolutely. I think it is a masterpiece on all fronts. Also, the score is used so precisely to accentuate some moments creating an effect that I have rarely experienced in a theatre. I need a recording from Caroline Shaw right away!"

The score is used perfectly. It’s haunting. I also would like a recording soon. 

[Jumpin_J]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 7:16pm

It may be a good production. Hell, it could be a great production. But I loath at the idea of giving Scott Rudin my money. Unless he had a "come to Jesus" moment, which to the best of my knowledge he hasn't, there's a good reason he was chased out of Broadway. But he's got an EGOT so theater owners will bend over for him. It's gross. No thanks. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 9:55pm

Days later, I continue to mull why it's so impressive.

I went in not skeptical, but not terribly invested in another Salesman. Within seconds, Mantello's scheme to place the play down center - so bold, pulling 1500+ eyes to one spot for almost 3 hours - made the Winter Garden a place of revelatory re-exploration. By stripping away the gossamer Mielziner world-building, relighting the story's double time frame via a single garage window with almost cathedral-like grandeur, so magically employed, the play becomes achingly intimate. And I was in the last row of the orchestra. How one table and set of chairs completely immerses us remains the mystery of (brilliant) theater. Yet this is not an Our Town skeletal re-imagining; it's a grand distillation of emotional confrontations unfettered by distracting stagecraft. Oddly enough, with this minimalism, it's an operatic staging. The set's vertical lines - a set of lives beneath a towering, indifferent world - serves Miller's objectives. Eloquently. I remain in awe.

Updated On: 4/9/26 at 09:55 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:31pm

Jumpin_J said: "It may be a good production. Hell, it could be a great production. But I loath at the idea of giving Scott Rudin my money. Unless he had a "come to Jesus" moment, which to the best of my knowledge he hasn't, there's a good reason he was chased out of Broadway. But he's got an EGOT so theater owners will bend over for him. It's gross. No thanks."

This is the only comment I care for in this thread. I don’t know why Broadway is welcoming this man back. 

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 10:36pm

No chance for a discount in the near future?  I want to see it but those prices are huge ouchers.

[mikem]

Posted: 4/9/26 at 11:18pm

Jordan Catalano said: "As much praise as I can put on those two, equal praise needs to be given to Christopher Abbott who, in that last scene, broke my heart more than any actor has done in quite a while. I don't think I've ever cried like that during that scene (or this play) but he broke me. In fact, when I talk about this production to people 10, 15 years from now, that might be the first thing I'll remember about it, I just know it's going to live in my head for the rest of my life."

That scene is devastating.

 

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Everything about it.  The almost inhuman strangled cries from Metcalf.  The depth of Abbott's despair, as if his heart is literally being ripped out of his chest.  Lane's silent tears.  Everything.

The whole production builds to that scene.  I don't think I've ever seen a scene on stage in which three actors are so perfectly in sync.  I've seen two actors build off each other, but it's much harder to do with three.  But they did it.  As Jordan said, that is the scene I will remember when I think about this production, and I think I will remember it forever.

[binau]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 2:31am

BroadwayGirl107 said: "Jumpin_J said: "It may be a good production. Hell, it could be a great production. But I loath at the idea of giving Scott Rudin my money. Unless he had a "come to Jesus" moment, which to the best of my knowledge he hasn't, there's a good reason he was chased out of Broadway. But he's got an EGOT so theater owners will bend over for him. It's gross. No thanks."

This is the only comment I care for in this thread. I don’t know why Broadway is welcoming this man back."

You don't know why? Look at the art that is on stage, look at the reviews, look at the sales. After this production, I suspect we are going to see him back again and again. Personally, I just want to enjoy the art. I don't need to be the Police, someone can call the NYPD if he breaks the law and I would expect that he faces the full force of the law. Otherwise, I am not only happy to enjoy the show - but after this recent production, grateful. After Bernadette in Hello, Dolly and this show Scott Rudin has personally made my life better. The NYPD can deal with the rest. 

Updated On: 4/10/26 at 02:31 AM

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 4:11am

binau said: "BroadwayGirl107 said: "Jumpin_J said: "It may be a good production. Hell, it could be a great production. But I loath at the idea of giving Scott Rudin my money. Unless he had a "come to Jesus" moment, which to the best of my knowledge he hasn't, there's a good reason he was chased out of Broadway. But he's got an EGOT so theater owners will bend over for him. It's gross. No thanks."

This is the only comment I care for in this thread. I don’t know why Broadway is welcoming this man back."

You don't know why? Look at the art that is on stage, look at the reviews, look at the sales. After this production, I suspect we are going to see him back again and again. Personally, I just want to enjoy the art. I don't need to be the Police, someone can call the NYPD if he breaks the law and I would expect that he faces the full force of the law. Otherwise, I am not only happy to enjoy the show - but after this recent production, grateful. After Bernadette in Hello, Dolly and this show Scott Rudin has personally made my life better. The NYPD can deal with the rest."

Exactly the mindset that allowed him to abuse people for so long: the art is great, who cares what it took to get there?

[binau]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 4:31am

The question is who is accountable for policing his behaviour? Not me. There is a police department and other avenues that deal with his alleged behaviour. If you think Scott Rudin shouldn’t be working or hasn’t been held accountable for his behaviour why aren’t you taking this up with the police? If I recall one of the accusations was a physical assault. We already have systems in our society that deal with these problems. 
 

I would also say that now that this is all so open people can choose to work with Scott Rudin or not and seemingly understand the risks they are taking. What do you say about the people that choose to work with him? Are they complicit or victims? Do you seemingly condemn the very people you are apparently concerned about for working with him?

Updated On: 4/10/26 at 04:31 AM

[east side story]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 8:30am

Hold tight to those grudges and you’ll never leave the house again. Everyone is terrible. Go enjoy some theater.

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:24am

east side story said: "Hold tight to those grudges and you’ll never leave the house again. Everyone is terrible. Go enjoy some theater."

Yeah, not wanting to aid the rehabilitation of an abuser is "holding onto grudges." *rolls eyes*

[joevitus]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:26am

binau said: "The question is who is accountable for policing his behaviour? Not me. There is a police department and other avenues that deal with his alleged behaviour. If you think Scott Rudin shouldn’t be working or hasn’t been held accountable for his behaviour why aren’t you taking this up with the police? If I recall one of the accusations was a physical assault. We already have systems in our society that deal with these problems.


I would also say that now that this is all so open people can choose to work with Scott Rudin or not and seemingly understand the risks they are taking. What do you say about the people that choose to work with him? Are they complicit or victims? Do you seemingly condemn the very people you are apparently concerned about for working with him?"

You know very well that if he becomes successful again, he will have all the protection he needs to keep keep abusing his staff again. Those trying to call him on his behavior will be seen as the bad people, trying to deprive actors and creatives of jobs and Broadway trying to keep art from being created because they, I guess in east side story's mind, "hold grudges."

[east side story]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 10:32am

joevitus said: "east side story said: "Hold tight to those grudges and you’ll never leave the house again. Everyone is terrible. Go enjoy some theater."

Yeah, not wanting to aid the rehabilitation of an abuser is "holding onto grudges." *rolls eyes*"

Well only one of you produced the best reviewed play of the season. You don’t need to buy a ticket to line that man’s pockets, just as you do not have to read these threads when you already know how you feel.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 11:27am

binau said: "The question is who is accountable for policing his behaviour? Not me. There is a police department and other avenues that deal with his alleged behaviour. If you think Scott Rudin shouldn’t be working or hasn’t been held accountable for his behaviour why aren’t you taking this up with the police? If I recall one of the accusations was a physical assault. We already have systems in our society that deal with these problems."

I couldn't have said this better myself. It reminds me of the Ray Rice debacle, where people expected the NFL to severely punish him for his horrible assault when the criminal justice system basically let him go. Well, no, that's not a correct analysis at all. Employers aren't there to police crimes, and neither is the Broadway League; if the criminal justice system failed, take it up with them.

I don't intend for this to imply that anyone shouldn't use their own judgment about who they want to give their dollars to, and I myself am up in the air about this one. I just don't think the people who are working with him, or for him, or who buy tickets for one of his productions should be judged for failing to act when the NYPD itself couldn't be bothered.

Updated On: 4/10/26 at 11:27 AM

[BeyondtheBoards]

Posted: 4/10/26 at 11:59am

I find this discourse fascinating. I haven't heard any horror stories about him from recently. Perhaps he actually has done some work on himself/gotten some help for his issues? I mean, this kind of cancellation mentality doesn't encourage people to do better.