Broadway — Witness News Entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon says “Death of a Salesman” is one of the best productions he has ever seen on Broadway. And this week he got to interview some of the cast.
Sharon Clarke was the first black performer to play Mrs. Roman and recognized the importance of honor.
“History-making baby!” said Clarke.
Wendell Pierce, who plays Willie Lohmann, agreed with Clark in an interview with Sandy Kenyon.
Watch | The Sitdown: ‘Death of a Salesman’ Actors Discuss Their Roles
Both stars have found ways to give new meaning to classic texts and make the play accessible to a wider audience.
“Having an African-American Romantic family amplifies all the themes of the play sharply,” Pierce said. It feels uniquely written for a group of people who understand the paradox of the American dream.”
“I think all sorts of people can see this and see themselves in this light,” Clark said.
What started in London flourished on Broadway.
Clarke, who lives there, explained that British audiences reacted more politely and reserved to the end.
This is in contrast to the New Yorkers, who are a very vocal crowd.
“You know people are with you,” Clark said. You can see that I agree with
They tell the story of Willie and his family’s past and parents.
“I thought of the strong women I grew up with,” Clark said. “The women who taught me how to be a strong black woman.”
She found the key to her character in her mother, a “strong, loyal, dogmatic, fiercely loving woman” from Jamaica.
“I wondered how your mother would handle this situation,” Clark said.
Pierce remembered his father, a World War II veteran.
“I’ve always known men in my family who were facing the possibility of an insurmountable battle,” Pierce said. “Yeah, to fight fire.”
His dad came to the opening of “Death of a Salesman,” now 97, long enough to see his son win.
“I’ve had an incredible career of over 35 years, but at times I felt like a small ship looking for port.” I look for opportunities to leave a legacy and leave a mark on the businesses I work in.”
Now he looks no further.
“I was given the precious gift of playing this role,” he said.
A 100-Year-Old audience contacted Pierce after a recent performance. She had seen the original version of the play that rocked Broadway in 1949.
The woman, who has seen numerous works since then, gave him a simple message: “You moved me the most.”
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https://abc7ny.com/death-of-a-salesman-broadway-sandy-kenyon-theater/12533759/ Broadway ‘Death of a Salesman’ actor discusses where he found inspiration for his role