article by Jake Mendel

The stage at the BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst, NY, is currently illuminated by the raw human drama of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge,” presented by the Modern Classics Theatre of Long Island. Running from July 12th to 27th, this revival of a modern American classic offers a timely exploration of themes that resonate deeply in today’s world. We delve into the insights of five key cast members: Camile Arnone, Jules Donohue, John McGowan, Alex Rich, and Tim Smith, as they bring Miller’s intricate characters to life.

Set in a 1950s Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, “A View from the Bridge” tells the tragic story of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman whose life spirals when his wife’s undocumented relatives arrive from Italy. As jealousy and possessiveness take hold, particularly concerning his niece Catherine and one of the immigrants, Rodolpho, the play unearths the destructive power of repressed desire, pride, and the clash between personal loyalty and the rule of law.

Camile Arnone as Beatrice: A Heartfelt Acknowledgment of Roots

Camile Arnone, who embodies the strong yet vulnerable Beatrice, reveals a deeply personal connection to the play. “My family immigrated to this country from Italy seeking better opportunities,” she shares, highlighting the parallel with the play’s themes of immigration and the leap of faith taken by those seeking a new life. For Arnone, portraying Beatrice is a “heartfelt acknowledgment of my roots,” allowing her to step into the shoes of a “strong woman, protector and caregiver with deep vulnerability and a need to be loved.”

Arnone, a self-described “storyteller at heart,” drawn to the arts from a young age through singing, writing, and photography, recognizes the weight of performing Miller’s work. “People have high expectations when going to see an Arthur Miller play, as they delve into challenging themes and portray intricate narratives of multifaceted characters.” She finds the play profoundly topical, noting that “the way our nation perceives and treats immigrants has been scrutinized both in the 1950s and in contemporary times.” After a hiatus from the stage, Arnone feels revitalized and looks forward to producing original pieces and collaborating with the talented cast again.

Jules Donohue as Catherine: Embracing a Dramatic Challenge

For Jules Donohue, taking on the role of Catherine presented a compelling new artistic frontier. “I don’t have a lot of experience in straight, dramatic plays so I was really interested in this one because I thought it would be a great challenge,” she explains. Donohue, who will also be seen in the ensemble of “Hair” and as Amy in “Company” at Wagner College, acknowledges the inherent gravity of Miller’s writing. “Miller plays are some of the most well crafted plays I’ve ever read. This story hits more close to home than some of his other stories, for me, but even still the text holds a lot of gravity.”

She pinpoints numerous reasons why the play remains strikingly relevant: “The play examines history, heritage, immigration, community, independence vs. dependence, coming of age, & family ties (all important things to be thoughtful about in today’s world).”

John McGowan as Rodolpho: Embracing Character and Empathy

John McGowan, who portrays the pivotal character of Rodolpho, was drawn to the production by a “definite love for Arthur Miller’s storytelling which never loses its thematic pertinence – and I got to go blonde.” McGowan’s journey in the arts began at a young age, fueled by an interest in “embracing the good, the bad and the ugly of character acting.” He believes acting fosters examination, awareness, and ultimately, empathy.

While proud to add “View” to his resume, McGowan doesn’t feel an “extra sense of responsibility” when approaching Miller’s plays compared to others. He asserts, “I’m of the opinion that all characters should be given their fair shot to be represented as best as I’m able, regardless of the playwright.” He starkly highlights the play’s timelessness: “1914, 1939, 1947, 1955, 2025. There are always men like Eddy Carbone.” For McGowan, the immediate future holds “auditions, auditions, auditions!”

Alex Rich as Tony Berelli and Immigration Officer 2: The Enduring Spirit of Miller

Alex Rich, playing the roles of Tony Berelli and Immigration Officer 2, shares a previous positive experience with Miller’s work. “I’ve done an Arthur Miller play before and it’s always a rewarding experience,” he notes. His inspiration in the arts is none other than the iconic Marlon Brando.

Rich acknowledges the natural sense of responsibility that comes with performing Miller, but feels it’s a shared burden: “It’s difficult not to, but it’s clear that Miller felt that sense of responsibility when he was writing his plays, so I always feel that he’s there for every production in spirit.” He identifies immigration as the “big one” among the play’s topical themes, alongside “sense of community, the struggle to survive, love, and dignity.”

Tim Smith as Eddie Carbone: Growth Through Storytelling

Tim Smith, who tackles the complex and central role of Eddie Carbone, was primarily drawn to the production by director Emily Vaeth. “I think she is an insightful and gifted storyteller and I was excited to see how she would bring this classic of American theatre to life,” Smith explains. He values the opportunity for growth as an actor, a goal he consistently pursues.

Smith’s inspiration in the arts stems from a lifelong attraction to “the power of storytelling and its ability to impact another person. To make them laugh or cry or think about the experience long after its over.” Similar to McGowan, Smith doesn’t feel an “extra sense of responsibility” with Miller, believing “the written word of any playwright is important. For me, it is in the text of the writing where I believe the heart of the characters lie.” When asked about the play’s topicality, Smith’s playful response – “Come see it and find out” – encourages audiences to discover its contemporary resonance for themselves. After the demanding role of Eddie, Smith’s immediate next step is simply “Sleep.”

The Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island, a non-profit, champions non-traditional casting and welcomes actors of all ethnicities, gender identities and orientations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity that further enriches the contemporary relevance of “A View from the Bridge.” This talented ensemble, directed by Emily Vaeth, promises a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience that delves into the timeless complexities of human nature.