Theater: Mark Ruffalo's Cop Rues Money-Grubbing In Arthur Miller's 'The Price'

Like a well-made antique table, the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Arthur Miller’s The Price is rock-solid.
The 1968 family drama isn’t as well-known or as well-loved as Miller’s best-known works, but there’s never a dull moment in director Terry Kinney’s sturdy production. It doesn’t hurt that the four-person cast is stacked with the superb actors Mark Ruffalo, Tony Shalhoub, and Jessica Hecht.
The revelation here is Danny DeVito as the crusty old antiques dealer. He holds his own with his costars and adds much-needed levity.
Ruffalo plays Victor Franz, a policeman who has to clear out an attic full of furniture that belonged to his parents. His father had been a prosperous businessman but lost his fortune in the 1929 crash. He and the family had moved to the attic, where the furniture has been gathering dust since his father’s death 16 years previously.
Victor’s wife, Esther (Hecht), wants to get top dollar for the antiques. Wearing a chic new suit, she encourages Victor to retire from the force and find a better-paying job. “I want money!” she says bluntly.

DeVito makes a great entrance, coughing his way up the stairs. He’s Gregory Solomon, an 89-year-old furniture dealer who spends much of the first act inspecting the dressers, Victrola, harp, chairs, etc., and telling Victor nobody wants big, old-fashioned furniture for their modern apartments. Victor isn’t a haggler and accepts Solomon’s offer.
Just when the deal appears to be sealed, Victor’s long-lost brother Walter (Shalhoub) appears. Not surprisingly, things get complicated.
The meat of the drama comes in the second act, when we learn that Victor dropped out of college to take care of their ailing, impoverished father. Walter became a doctor and sent home a tiny sum each month. Victor harbors long-simmering resentment toward his wealthy brother, and the two haven’t spoken since their dad’s funeral.

Anyone who has ever argued with a relative can relate to Miller’s well-constructed, believable drama. Apparently Miller had a strained relationship with his brother, but he said The Price isn’t entirely autobiographical.
He also wrote that the Vietnam War provided some inspiration for the play, but it’s hard to see the connection. It certainly isn’t as clear as The Crucible’s commentary on the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Ruffalo capably carries the play. His Victor is a hard-working Everyman who has always done what he believed was right. Whether he’s recalling his days as a fencer or getting exasperated with Solomon, Victor grounds the play. Ruffalo and Shalhoub don’t look like brothers, which is okay since they’re supposed to be so different.
Shalhoub does an excellent job giving the urbane Walter’s side of the story, but in the end it’s easier to sympathize with Victor. Hecht makes the most of Esther, who has a few good speeches but largely lets the brothers debate. All three are theater vets—and Tony nominees—who are quite comfortable on stage.

Ruffalo has spent most of his career making movies, but his big break came Off Broadway in 1996 with Kenneth Lonergan’s This Is Our Youth. DeVito has made more than 70 movies but didn’t do much theater until he starred in The Sunshine Boys in London and L.A. a few years ago. He may not have any Russian Yiddish heritage, but he’s just right as the indefatigable wheeler-dealer Solomon.
The Price lacks the gravitas and timelessness of Death of a Salesman, but this first-rate production proves that it’s well worth reviving. And it’s great to see these four fine actors sparring on stage.
The Price continues its run through May 7. American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Buy tickets here, or call (212) 719-1300.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.