January 24, 2024

Miller’s “All My Sons” Based on a True Story

FAMILY SAGA: Arthur Miller’s play “All My Sons” portrays a World War II-era clan with all their issues, on stage at Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor January 26 through February 4.

Shakespeare ’70 presents All My Sons, Arthur Miller’s tale of morality, guilt, responsibility, and irrevocable loss of innocence during World War II, at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor Campus, January 26-February 4.

The Keller family lives in a middle class, God-fearing neighborhood, where residents start and end their lives on the same block; where grape juice and gossip are never more than a few steps away; where power is gained through business and poker games; and where secrets divulged are over freshly baked apple pie. Joe Keller is a successful, self-made man who has spent his entire life in the single-minded pursuit of wealth for the sake of his family, and who loses sight of his morality — and pays the price.

All My Sons is based on a true story and is considered Arthur Miller’s first significant play. The original production premiered on Broadway in 1947, with revivals in 1987, 2008, and 2019, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival in 1987 and nominated in 2019. The play was adapted for a 1948 film starring Edward G. Robinson, and again in 1987 for a made-for-television movie starring James Whitmore, Aidan Quinn, and Michael Learned.

Shows are Fridays, January 26 and February 2 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, January 27 and February 3 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, January 28 and February 4 at 2 p.m. The campus is at 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for children and students. Visit kelseytheatre.org.