Branford residents looking for a night of thoughtful drama can find it at Legacy Theatre, where Long Wharf Theatre presents Arthur Miller’s 1967 classic The Price through Nov. 22. The production centers on the Franz brothers, who return to their family home to sell the estate left by their parents, confronting old debts and lingering resentment.
Nelson’s Solomon steals the show
Mark Nelson’s performance as Gregory Solomon, an eccentric antique dealer with a thick Russian‑Yiddish accent, is the production’s undeniable highlight. From his opening line, “Water I don’t need; a little blood I could use,” to his comic timing when he pulls a sandwich from his briefcase, Nelson turns Solomon into a lively, fully realized character. Audiences laugh at his witty asides and feel the weight of his 62‑year appraisal career, making him the emotional foil to the Franz family’s heaviness.
Strong moments amid uneven performances
While Nelson commands the stage, the rest of the cast often feels wooden. Alexis Camins, playing Victor Franz, projects a sense of purpose at the start, but his portrayal of a man who abandoned his scientific ambitions to become a police sergeant lacks conviction as the play progresses. His brother Walter, performed by Carman Lacivita, is believable as the successful sibling, yet the scene where he is carted to a mental hospital feels under‑developed.
Jennifer Lim’s Esther Franz, Victor’s wife, struggles to convey authentic emotion. Her attempts at desperation—most notably the line “Vic, I want it. I want money”—feel forced, and her chemistry with Victor is minimal. Interestingly, Esther appears to connect more with Solomon, whose teasing about her blue suit adds a brief spark of liveliness.
Design and atmosphere support the story
Scene designer Riw Rakkulchon creates a claustrophobic attic setting that mirrors the brothers’ emotional baggage. Black placards bearing the names of unseen furniture pieces—such as a carved bed and chest of drawers—suggest the weight of the past that the characters cannot escape. The intimate layout of Legacy Theatre further immerses the audience in the cramped, memory‑laden space.
Overall impression
Despite its uneven ensemble, the production succeeds in highlighting Miller’s themes of family, regret, and the cost of choices. Nelson’s Solomon provides the necessary humor and humanity to keep the audience engaged, reminding viewers of theater’s power to breathe life into even the most somber material. Patrons who appreciate strong character work and thoughtful staging will find “The Price” a worthwhile evening at Legacy Theatre.
Tickets are available through the Long Wharf Theatre box office and online, with performances running through November 22.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
