Versai Knight, Graydon Clark and Aaron Black Photo by Broken Chain Photography

A View from the Bridge explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. The play tells the story of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman who lives with his wife Beatrice and their niece Catherine. When Marco and Rodolpho, Beatrice's cousins, arrive from Italy to stay with the Carbones, Eddie's feelings toward Catherine become increasingly possessive and jealous. As tensions rise, the play delves into themes of masculinity, immigration, and the American Dream. Set in 1950s America in an Italian American neighborhood near the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the play reflects Miller's lifelong focus on both societal and personal issues.

The Vortex Theatre is presenting an outstanding production of A View from the Bridge. Director James Cady has assembled an experienced and talented cast and made great decisions about everything in the production. Taking a cue from popular contemporary director Ivo van Hove, and indeed from the Greek theatre, Cady has stripped the play down to the essentials: the actors and the space. The play began as a one-act and in subsequent revivals became a two-act play. This production has one act incorporating the two and runs for one hour and forty-five minutes without an intermission. A testament to the quality of the production is that the time flies by. The action of the play builds to the inevitable conclusion with palpable tension.

Although there are few properties or set decorations, technical aspects have not been overlooked. The stage is a plain thrust with audience members on three sides. There is a central entrance upstage, and a low bench wraps around the playing area. Mary Rossman has designed this effective blank slate. The lighting and sound design by Riley Lewis is unobtrusively in service of the play. Some outstanding lighting effects are used at the beginning and ending of the play that are very evocative of the tension in the piece. The liturgical music chosen is perfect for the action. Maureen Trujillo has provided costumes that adequately capture the essence of each character, allow some vigorous action, and reflect the time period of the play.

Aaron Black's Eddie Carbone is a perfect working man, befuddled and angered by his emotions. He keeps the fire of his anger burning and escalating throughout the play. Eddie's wife Beatrice is played by the versatile Merritt C. Glover, whose quiet understanding of the situation plays across her face. Catherine is played by Versai Knight, who handles the innocence and the passion of the character well. Ed Benson as Marco and Graydon Clarke as Rudolpho, the illegal Italian immigrants, are both extraordinarily strong. Alfieri, the lawyer, as played by John Wylie, narrates and comments on the action with a world-weary authority. Timothy Chivalette as Louie, Eddie's working pal, is spot on. All the actors handle the accents called for with few slips. These are seasoned professionals who work well together.

This is a terrific production of a play by one of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century. Don't miss important work!

A View from the Bridge runs through August 31, 2025, at The Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $24.00/$26.05 with fees. Discounted (student,union) $20.00/$20.80 with fees. For tickets and information, please call 505 247-8600 or visit www.vortexabq.org.

Directed by James Cady. Set Designer, Mary Rossman. Lighting and Sound Designer, Riley Lewis. Costume Designer, Maureen Trujillo. Scenic Painter, Mattie Roos. Stage Manager, Donna Marie Barra. Assistant Stage Manager, Gregory Gargano.

The Cast: John Wylie, Aaron Black, Timothy Chivalette, Versai Knight, Merrit C. Glover, Ed Benson, Graydon Clarke, Dachary Vann.