Broadway's Death of Salesman Previews Tonight

This production marks the sixth time "Death of a Salesman" has been revived on Broadway since its premiere in 1949. The original run, starring Lee J. Cobb, was a monumental success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Subsequent revivals have often been major theatrical events, with three winning the Tony Award for Best Revival. The iconic role of Willy Loman has been a benchmark for distinguished actors. Previous Broadway revivals have seen the character portrayed by George C. Scott (1975), Dustin Hoffman (1984), Brian Dennehy (1999), Philip Seymour Hoffman (2012), and most recently, Wendell Pierce in a 2022 production that featured a Black Loman family. Dennehy and the 1984 and 2012 productions all secured Tony Awards for their work. This revival is led by a team of decorated theater veterans. Nathan Lane, playing Willy, is a three-time Tony Award winner, while Laurie Metcalf, as Linda Loman, holds two Tonys. Director Joe Mantello is also a two-time Tony winner, known for a wide range of productions from the musical blockbuster "Wicked" to acclaimed plays like "The Humans" and "Three Tall Women." The choice of the Winter Garden Theatre is notable, as the venue has a history of housing long-running, large-scale musicals. For 31 years, its stage was home to only two shows: "Cats" (1982-2000) and "Mamma Mia!" (2001-2013). More recent tenants have included "The Music Man" and "Back to the Future: The Musical," making this dramatic play a significant shift in programming. This production is part of a spring season rich with classic American drama. Other major revivals include August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer, and Noël Coward's 1927 comedy "Fallen Angels." Due to high anticipation, the production has already announced an eight-week extension before its official opening night. The limited 14-week engagement will now run for 22 weeks, through August 9.