By Chrissy Alspaugh

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington (JTB) will return to the stage Arthur Miller’s The Price, with performances at John Waldron Arts Center’s Rose Firebay Theater, 122 S. Walnut, at 7:30 p.m. November 6, 8, 13, and 15, and at 3 p.m. November 16.

Directed by Dale McFadden, retired Indiana University faculty and longtime JTB collaborator, this revival of the company’s acclaimed 2011 production returns with a veteran cast and renewed relevance. “This play was so well received the first time,” says producing artistic director Darrell Ann Stone. “It’s beautiful, poignant, and speaks so clearly to the themes of identity, the legacy of family, and the cost of doing what we believe is right.”

Set in the crumbling attic of a Manhattan brownstone, The Pricefollows Victor Franz (played by Jonathan Golembiecki), a New York City policeman sorting through his late father’s belongings. When his estranged brother, Walter (Stephen Hunt) shows up, the encounter reopens long-buried tensions. With Victor’s wife Esther (Abby Lee) and a quirky furniture dealer, Gregory Solomon (Ken Farrell), the story unfolds with emotional weight and surprising humor, says Stone.

Arthur Miller (1915–2005) is one of the most significant American playwrights of the 20th century, using plays like Death of a Salesmanand The Crucibleto hold a mirror to the nation’s dreams, fears, and hypocrisies.

The Pricewas first performed on Broadway in 1968 and has been revived four times.

JTB’s revival of The Pricewill feature a fully staged production and a creative team drawn from across the Bloomington arts community, including university faculty, students, and seasoned professionals, Stone says. Golembiecki, Hunt, and Lee previously performed together in JTB’s 2018 production of Church & State. “They’re pretty thrilled to work together again,” Stone says.

The play resonates powerfully today, she says. “It speaks to the struggles of the American dream lost and rapidly changing times. It brings continuity to realize we aren’t the first generation experiencing this. Miller leans in and helps people understand that we’re not alone,” Stone says.

Tickets for The Price are $35 at jewishtheatrebloomington.com or the Bloom Magazine office, 414 W. 6th St.