A Greek tragedy is taking place with a Long Island spin at a quaint makeshift space in Lindenhurst, NY at the BAACA Arts Center where Modern Classics Theatre Company is staging Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge directed by Emily Vaeth. A timeless piece whose plot seems just as relevant today than its opening over 70 years ago.

Upon entering the theater I was immediately transported to old world Brooklyn, Italian style with
the aroma of fresh baked bread in the air. Binoculars are not necessary as the audience’s proximity to the set and cast are so close you feel concerned that you’ll remember your lines! Vaeth, fresh off her direction of Romeo and Juliet at the South Shore Theatre does an inventive job utilizing the cozy space by setting the play in the round. By turning a portion of the floor into
the sidewalk Emily is able to delineate to the audience the inside of the Carbone’s Red Hook,
Brooklyn apartment and the outside street corner along with a payphone, thats right I said payphone not cellphone, streetlamps and the sounds of running subway cars. Inside the sparsely decorated tenement is a nostalgic feel with an old Victrola playing Perry Como like ballads across from a living room chair that would make Archie Bunker proud.

The performance also has a unique opening unlike the traditional pre show routine, locating a seat, making a bathroom pit stop and reading your playbill, the cast is already on set in character doing busy work, We see a woman dressed head to toe in 50s Brooklyn chatting in Italian on the payphone while dock workers donning suspenders and muscle t’s are pitching coins to pass the time. The only heads up that the performance is about to start is the voiceover of the subway conductor informing the audience to enjoy the ride, and might I add in a much clearer voice than today’s subways!

The play opens with lawyer Alfieri played by Derek McLaughlin breaking the fourth wall bringing us up to speed on the climate of the times as he makes his way to his office perched upstage right overlooking the action. Another smart choice by Emily to its importance as the play unfolds. Derek delivers a monologue to the audience drenched beautifully in sarcasm as he is able to poke fun at his profession, basically comparing it to the crime syndicate back in Sicily thus earning a distrust from the local Italian immigrant community.

We then get a glimpse into the Carbone’s dimly lit bare apartment. Eddie Carbone, played by Tim Smith comes home from another tireless day working on the docks to his dutiful wife Beatrice (Camile Arnone) and doting niece Catherine (Jules Donohue) who they are raising due to her mother’s passing. We witness Camile’s strong character presence as she walks a fine line between old school housewife and voice of hope and shoulder to cry on for Catherine. Tim grabs you in immediately as I found myself hanging onto his every word waiting for his underlying tension to explode. And then there is sweet innocent Catherine who is on the verge of womanhood and wanting to explore all that life has to offer though tortured by her undying loyalty to Eddie. Jules’ conflicted values are portrayed so beautifully by the young actress with a talent that you would expect from a veteran. You just find yourself rooting for her happiness
throughout the play.

The Carbones’ make the life altering decision to house two relatives who are arriving illegally from Italy on a cargo ship. The two brothers arrive straight off the boat literally and find themselves in America under the blanket of protection of the Carbones. The brothers have quite different views of the American dream as Marco (Andrew Accardi) is the more practical brother trying to earn money to send back home while his bright eyed dreaming brother Rodolpho (John McGowan) wants to fully immerse himself in the American experience and Italy is the last thing on his mind. John delivers a charming, uncomfortable at times comic relief element donning a leather jacket and being anything but inconspicuous much to the dismay of Marco and Eddie.

All hell breaks loose as the inevitable happens and Rodolpo and Catherine fall in love and decide to get married. This does not sit well with Eddie who sees his role as protector to Catherine at times taking it a bit too far. After several consultations with Alfieri on how he can put a stop to their romance Eddie decides to take matters into his own hands despite the warnings of Alfieri.

Emily’s direction of this classic tale takes the audience on a riveting rollercoaster ride of emotions, sometimes hearing audience members so locked in you can hear their gasps and screams at times. I can honestly say I was emotionally exhausted after the final scene where time seemed to stand still. If you’re craving a non-stop thrilling experience I would absolutely recommend this production but fair warning bring a tissue if you’re sitting in the front row! You still have a chance to catch a show as performances continue throughout the weekend July 25th, 26th and a Sunday matinee on the 27th.