All My Sons: The Reviews Are In!

The reviews are in – and we are buzzing!

Here is just a taste of what they have to say …

Jeffrey Thomas and Emma Kinane in All My Sons. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

“Susan Wilson has again brought Wellington an unforgettable Miller classic.

A few years ago her ‘Death of a Salesman’ was a knockout.

‘All My Sons’ is another one.” - Lynn Freeman

 “The second half is an explosion of emotions … the confrontation between idealistic son Chris Keller and his father Joe makes for one of the most electrifying moments I’ve seen in 17 years of reviewing.

“Wilson has brought together a dream team. Jeffrey Thomas, Emma Kinane, Richard Dey - these three actors turn in career best performances, supported strongly by Martyn Wood and Jessica Robinson.

“Paul Jenden’s costumes are a delight.

“Arthur Miller’s story resonates with a 2012 audience in ways he could never have imagined. … It is a masterful and insightful work that is one of the year’s must-sees.” 

- Capital Times

“Having seen so many modern plays, it was refreshing to go to an old classic -

I was on the edge of my seat for the entire second half of the play … You could have heard a pin drop, the audience were so captivated. 

“Jeffrey Thomas dominates the play with his portrayal of Joe Keller. Even though you are suspicious of him, you just cannot help but like him.

The other star was Emma Kinane playing Kate. She gets it pitch perfect – it is a magic performance.

“The stage is also worth mention -  a wonderful replica of the backside of a 1940s house, and the back lawn. The artificial grass actually went all the way to the first row of seats, which made you feel very close to the action.  

The costumes were also spot on, especially the frocks for the ladies.

“All four of us raved about the play. … and the Circa performance of it was first class.”

- David Farrar, Kiwiblog 

Jessica Robinson and Ricky Dey in All My Sons. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

“I’d never seen a production of All My Sons… Susan Wilson’s inspiring direction of this particularly powerful and passionate production means that I shall now seek out more of a similar genre.

“Particular congratulations must go to Kinane, Thomas, Dey and Robinson who held the audience in the palm of their hands as they took us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions.

“Awesome set as well!“

- Kate Spencer, City Life News

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"Susan Wilson’s production beautifully captures the sense of time and place.  The realistic set of a house and backyard with symbolic weeping willows down the sides, the mood lighting, the costumes and make-up and the hair styles, all convey perfectly a sense of style of the period.

Arthur Miller is a truly great writer … a compelling piece of drama … well worth seeing."

- Dominion Post

(Left to right) Beck Taylor and Dino Karsanidis in All My Sons. Photo by Stephen A'Court.

Meet Beck and Dino – the two young boys who alternate the role of Bert.

Beck Taylor

Beck is ten years old and goes to Houghton Valley School. He is a very busy boy. He loves karate, swimming, soccer, guitar and circus and participates in these each week.

Beck got a part in a feature film called Love Birds when he was eight. “The part was large and we spent seven weeks flying up and down to Auckland,” said his mother, Tanya. “He stumbled into acting - the mother of a friend from school thought he'd be good. He loves it!”

And from Beck...

"Being in All My Sons is extremely fun and the people are really nice. Acting is awesomely cool  :D"

Dino Karsanidis

Dino is 11 years old and and is currently in his first year at Hutt Intermediate School. He is going to take part in the school production of Aladdin next term and he also enjoys learning the drums.

“Dino had a knack for re-enacting movie parts, so we sent him to Hutt Theatre Drama School, which he has attended for 2 1/2 years,” says his mum, Liza. “This part in All My Sons is his first major role!”

Dino has said this of the play: "I like the play because I like how there are some funny parts and there are some sad parts and there are action parts as well".

All My Sons runs until 7 July in Circa One. There will be an audio described performance for blind and visually impaired audience members on Sunday, 1 July at 4pm, with tour tours commencing at 3:15pm. This performance will also be open to the general public. For more information or to book, please call the Circa Box Office at 801-7992.