Ripon College Days

Media Credit: Photo courtesy Theatre Department The War Machine. All My Sons by recently deceased Arthur Miller questions the sacrifices and gains of war. [Click to enlarge]

After last fall's contemporary play, the Ripon College Theatre Department will turn to the more traditional, presenting Arthur Miller's classic war drama All My Sons.

A number of factors went into the decision. "Arthur Miller is one of America's greatest playwrights, and he passed away last year and that got me thinking," says Ken Hill, associate professor of theatre.

"He cared a lot about the problems and the progress of America," he says. "He shows us these different periods of American history; he's a timeless playwright."

He adds that the play's subject matter was a strong attraction. "The questions that the play asks: Who sacrifices in war? What does one really owe their country? It's about who makes the sacrifices, but also who profits," he says.

"The story twists and turns to a powerful and moving climax," Hill says.

The story's emotive appeal is also what attracted senior Bill Gehrke. "I was still getting goose bumps after my third read through of the script, so I knew it was powerful," he says.

"This play pushes the actors into realistic acting, which is something they needed a little work on," Hill says. "It's difficult to do a family drama because the actors have to play characters of all different ages."

This focus on the family is what drew junior Joe Truesdale to audition. "I like being in small casts, and this is a small cast, and it's about a family. And now, the cast is becoming a family."

In addition to performing on stage, Ripon College students are also extremely active backstage. Senior Mary Beth Grimm is assisting Professor Bob Amsden in set design, senior Ambre Neuser-Gajewski is designing sound and senior Matt Weisensel is designing the lighting.

"The crew is working really hard," says Hill. "This is really a department production with everyone working together."

All My Sons will run Wed. March 1 through Sat. March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts. For tickets, call (920) 748-8791.

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