I saw All My Sons performed at the Arden Theatre on Friday, November 1st and was quite impressed with the many aspects of the production.
             The stage design was very impressive and convincing in its specific attention to even the smallest of details. The backyard was filled with many of the small items that create a genuine sense of "being home." A basketball rim without a net stood on stage left along with a wooden birdhouse with a fading paint job. On stage right lay a thin broken tree next to a flower covered trellis and a pair of regularly used golf clubs. Center stage housed a table and some poignantly bright colored chairs. Behind that lay a small porch and the main entrance to the house from the backyard.
             The attention to detail and realism in designing the house is easily noted by any conscious audience member. There are multiple points where the audience can gaze through the windows of the house and view the actors within. In the later scenes of the play a light is seen in the window of the upper floor alluding to Anne's late night vigil for Chris's return, and throughout the play Kate can be seen working in the kitchen.
             The pale green fading paint job of the feasible forties home seemed very fitting to be that of a busy working man such as Joe Keller; not having enough time to keep is home in perfect condition, though taking care of his own very well nonetheless. While most people would take them for granted, the overhead power lines indicate furthermore the Keller's being somewhat removed from the widespread poverty of the times, being at least reasonably up to date with their modern conveniences.
             The casting actually closely paralleled the image that I had in mind while reading the text of the play. Joe Keller was excellently portrayed as a naturally large and jolly man, though whenever truly opposed psychologically would noticeably cower, seeming to not know how to defend himself...