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American Coast Theater Company Stages ‘Death of a Salesman’

A captivating stage set for the production of Death of a Salesman at Vanguard University.

News Summary

The American Coast Theater Company will present Arthur Miller’s classic play ‘Death of a Salesman’ at Vanguard University. Directed by Oánh Nguyễn, this fresh adaptation runs in June. It explores Willy Loman’s tragic pursuit of the American Dream, highlighting themes relevant to modern society. With a talented cast and a dedicated production team, this revival aims to engage contemporary audiences and spark discussions on success and self-worth.

Costa Mesa, California – The American Coast Theater Company is set to bring Arthur Miller’s iconic play “Death of a Salesman” to life at Vanguard University in June 2025. This Pulitzer Prize-winning production will run from June 19 through June 29, 2025, at the Lyceum Theater, located on the university’s campus.

Oánh Nguyễn, known for their compelling work at Chance Theater, will direct this fresh adaptation of Miller’s most celebrated work. The narrative centers on Willy Loman, an unsuccessful salesman whose relentless chase of the “American Dream” results in both personal and familial tragedy. The storyline illustrates the stark contrast between the glamorous image of success that Willy aspires to and the grim realities of his life.

This production promises to resonate strongly with contemporary audiences, particularly the youth, as it draws parallels between Willy’s pursuit of validation and today’s obsession with success portrayed on social media. The exploration of these themes reflects the country’s ongoing dialogue regarding achievement, self-worth, and the pitfalls of societal expectations.

The cast includes a talented group of actors portraying key characters from the play:

Jeff Paul as Willy Loman
Susan K. Berkompas as Linda Loman
Micah Munck as Biff Loman
Luke Desmond as Happy Loman
Dane Hobrecht as Bernard
Tony Sutera as Charley
Rick Werblin as Uncle Ben
Ben Green as Howard Wagner/Stanley
Gabrielle Paul as The Woman/Miss Forsythe
Arabella Chrastina as Jenny/Letta

Behind the scenes, the production features a skilled design team with expertise in various aspects of theater production. Fred Kinney will serve as the scenic designer, while Lia Hansen takes on the role of costume designer. The sound design will be crafted by Daryl Hovis, and lighting design will be managed by Garrett Spady. The production crew includes Jim Huffman as technical director and Yasmine Reid as stage manager, ensuring a smooth execution of the show.

The artistic team also plays a crucial role in this production, with Susan K. Berkompas acting as the artistic producing director, alongside Oánh Nguyễn as director. Their collaboration aims to deliver a captivating interpretation of Miller’s work that honors its legacy while offering a fresh perspective for today’s audience.

This production is part of a broader initiative by the American Coast Theater Company to present a diverse lineup of upcoming shows that enrich the local arts scene. In addition to “Death of a Salesman,” the region is buzzing with various cultural events, including Cirque du Soleil’s new Big Top production, “ECHO,” slated to open on May 23, 2025, at Laguna Hills Mall. The South Coast Repertory has also announced its 2025-26 season featuring notable productions such as “Million Dollar Quartet” and Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Further adding to the theatrical offerings, the Orange County premiere of “The Importance of Being Earnest: A Wilde New Musical” by Bret Simmons and David Howard is set to attract attention.

As preparations for “Death of a Salesman” begin, theater enthusiasts in Costa Mesa and surrounding areas can look forward to a poignant reimagining of a classic that continues to engage and challenge audiences with its timeless themes.