The Basics: The Price, a play by Arthur Miller, directed by Fortunato Pezzimenti, produced by Irish Classical Theatre Company starring Ben Michael Moran, Kate LoConti Alcocer, Tom Loughlin & Todd Benzin. Running Friday, April 19 through Sunday, May 12. Curtain times are 7:30 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; 3 pm Saturday Matinees; and 2 pm Sundays. The Theatre is located at 625 Main Street ,Buffalo ,NY 14203.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at www.irishclassical.com, by phone at 716-853-4282 or in person at the ICTC Box Office. See Box Office hours on ICTC’s website.
Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes including one intermission
Jorge Luna Photography
Thumbnail Sketch: One of Arthur Miller’s rarely produced but powerful plays, The Price introduces us to Victor and his estranged brother, Walter, as they reunite after 30 years to sell their parents’ estate. Surrounded by the individual motives of Victor’s wife and an octogenarian antique dealer, tensions rise as Victor must face the sacrifice he made for his father.
The Players, The Play, and The Production: There are four actors in this play and an exquisite set (by David Dwyer) the whole production draws you in from the moment the play begins. I attended the Friday Night (4/19) performance, and the audience was fully engaged with many leaning forward and intently hanging on every word uttered for the full duration of two hours and twenty minutes.
The Price was written in 1968 (the year of my birth) nearly fifty six years ago, holds up very well and especially in the extremely capable hands of its director, Fortunato Pezzimenti and this exceptional cast.
This is the fourth production of this lesser produced play of Arthur Miller works that I have been lucky enough to experience. The last time I saw this play it was at The Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2017 production with a truly star studded cast (Mark Ruffalo, Danny Devito, Jessica Hecht and Tony Shalhoub) It was a hit, garnering several theatre award nominations and accolades for Mr. DeVito, in the role of Gregory Solomon, the 89 year old Jewish furniture dealer that comes to possibly buy the entirety of the brother’s inherited estate.
Walking in to this production, the bar was set high. I had great expectations for this production here in Buffalo. Confidently, I can say that The Irish Classical Theatre Company has once again exceeded my expectations.
This piece demands the actors have presence: the quality that compels and suspends the watchers. These fine actors not only hold our attention, but make us feel like we are eavesdropping in on this intimate conversation so much so that at times we forget we are watching a play. As the audience, we become invested in the characters’ lives and their unfolding story.
Ben Michael Moran as Victor Franz
Ben Michael Moran is our protagonist, Victor Franz. This is the third show I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Moran in, and I am impressed by his chameleon like ability to morph into different characters so authentically. I almost didn’t recognize him at first when he stepped silently onto the stage in a police uniform, and we see him root through Victors’ Fathers furniture and belongings. As Victor waits for Mr. Solomon, preparing for the sale and you can see each piece he holds evoke untold memories. His emotions play across his handsome face and you are instantly hooked. You need to know more. Ben is exceptional in this role, I would gladly watch him in anything.
Kate LoConti Alcocer as Esther Franz
Next, Esther Franz enters the room, played by the stunning Kate LoConti Alcocer. Kate commands the stage and is a striking performer. You can feel Ester’s anxiousness for Victor to get a great price for the lot of furniture so they can live a more comfortable life. They are waiting for the furniture dealer to evaluate the items and it becomes clear that the cost of what his Father left him is much harder to nail down than Victor had anticipated.
Victor & Esther seem solid, the actors feel very natural as a couple as you would imagine a couple who have been married a few decades.
Tom Loughlin as Gregory Solomon
The letter-perfect Tom Loughlin as Mr. Solomon, we are told after climbing a long flight of stairs and enters the mix. He is short of breath, seemingly feeble, but exuberant, long-winded, and exhausted all at the same time. Honestly, he was so delightful and mesmerizing in this role and the perfect foil for Victor. Their scenes together are certainly a highlight of the play.
Our final player, Walter, Victor’s older brother, arrives next on the scene played by Todd Benzin. I have never seen Todd on stage before, but I am so glad this was my first introduction. He matches the incredible cast on stage and really raises the stakes. Victor struggles, trying to reimagine his life choices through his brother’s perspective and we as the audience struggle along with him.
Todd Benzin as Walter Franz
The brother’s arguments begin to center around their late father’s unoccupied chair (the fifth abscent character). The exchanges are tense and emotional. These are some of the most gripping scenes I have ever witnessed on a Buffalo stage.
Equally impressive, Esther (Played by Kate LoConti Alcocer), I couldn’t take my eyes off of her, as she was on the verge of tears and fear that Victor was going to blow up all of the opportunities and possibilities for the two of them to embark on a new chapter of life.
There is as much emotion in Miller’s words, as there is in the silent reactions by these fine actors. This play is set in the 1960’s in New York City, it’s a very specific place and time, however in the steady and sure hands of its director, Pezzimenti, there is a commonality to the exploration of memories, shared experiences and even money problems.
In the end, each of the characters has paid a price and it is both fascinating and devastating to watch. If you’re looking for a fine night of theatre that leaves you on the edge of your seat, literally, don’t miss a moment of The Price at ICTC.
5 out of 5 Buffalos
HERD OF BUFFALO RATING SYSTEM
FIVE BUFFALOS: Exceptional quality – a rare rating. Whether it’s a hilarious comedy or a touching drama, if this is your kind of show, missing out would be a mistake!
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of exceptional quality. If the genre and content match your preferences, it’s worth seeing.
THREE BUFFALOS: Despite minor drawbacks, it’s a solid production and a pleasant evening at the theater. Keep your expectations in check, and you’re likely to have a good time.
TWO BUFFALOS: If you’re a self-proclaimed theatre enthusiast who simply adores attending shows, go ahead and give it a try. However, if the genre and themes don’t resonate with you, you might want to explore other options.
ONE BUFFALO: This might not be the best choice for everyone unless you have a compelling reason to attend, like having family or friends involved in the performance. It’s probably a good idea to skip this one.
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