Henry Goodman as Gregory Solomon in The Price [Mark Senior]

THE PRICE
Marylebone Theatre
☆☆☆☆

Arthur Miller’s 1967 play The Price is a blistering critique of the American Dream, the perils of unchecked capitalism, and the long shadow cast by the Great Depression.

Victor Franz (Elliot Cowan), a New York cop, returns to his late parents’ house to sell the family’s furniture before the building is demolished. He has asked Gregory Solomon (Henry Goodman), an elderly but still shrewd furniture dealer, to name his price for the lot, all stored in the attic.

As they negotiate, Victor’s loving wife Esther (Faye Castelow) urges him to accept whatever Solomon offers, wanting them to move on.

Things take an unexpected turn when Walter Franz (John Hopkins), Victor’s older brother, arrives. They have not spoken in 16 years, and their reunion exposes long-buried resentments.

We learn how Victor gave up his career dreams, leaving college to join the police force so he could support their impoverished father, who lost his fortune in the Wall Street Crash. Walter left home and went on to become a wealthy doctor. Both men feel disappointed by their choices and thwarted ambitions.

We realise that the play’s title refers to the personal cost of the decisions they made decades earlier – the impact of sacrifice, duty and regret.

Jon Bausor creates a convincing attic, stuffed to the rafters with furniture. It takes its time to build tension, but Jonathan Munby’s assured production draws out terrific performances from the four actors. Goodman, in particular, delivers a memorably comic turn.

As we hit another period of economic anxiety and difficult choices, The Price feels particularly resonant: Miller continues to speak powerfully to our times.

Until June 7
marylebonetheatre.com/