The drama concerns two adult brothers — played by Prosky's real-life sons, Andy and John Prosky — reuniting after 16 years to sell off their parents' belongings. The play had its world premiere at Walnut Street 40 years ago, in 1968, prior to Broadway.
According to WST, The Price "tells the story of two brothers who have not spoken to each other for 16 years. They are reuniting at their parents' Manhattan brownstone to sell off the remains of their parents' possessions to a wily, wisecracking furniture dealer (Robert Prosky). Along with the old chairs and rugs, however, are memories of choices the two brothers made when their father's fortunes toppled. Victor (Andy Prosky) gave up his education in order to support his ailing father, becoming a policeman on a modest income. His brother Walter (John Prosky) set out on his own and became a successful and wealthy surgeon. With the furniture dealer and Victor's wife (Leisa Mather) as witnesses, the brothers are forced to settle up in more ways than one. Walter and Victor verbally battle each other time and again, twisting motives, memories and facts upside down and inside out until nothing is what it seems to be. Which brother is truly more selfish? Which is more tormented? Who sacrificed more to become the man they are today?" The work "resonates with the timeless themes of family, pride, missed opportunities, personal integrity and sacrifice."
Robert Prosky (playing aging antique dealer Gregory Solomon) was born and raised in Manayunk and educated at Temple University. Despite a career on stage and film, he has never participated in a professional production in Philadelphia — until now. His Broadway credits include A Walk in the Woods, Democracy, Glengarry Glen Ross (1984), A View From the Bridge (1983), Moonchildren and (as the Voice of the Judge) Twelve Angry Men. He was Tony Award-nominated for Glengarry (he played Shelly Levene) and A Walk in the Woods (he was a Soviet diplomat).
Director Michael Carleton is intimately familiar with the material, having directed Robert, John and Andy Prosky (along with Leisa Mather) for Cape May Stage's 2006 production of The Price. Carelton serves as the artistic director for Cape May Stage, and has directed for Orlando Shakespeare Festival and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival in addition to productions in New York and Chicago.
Joining him on the creative team are set designer Robert Kramer, lighting designer Shelley Hicklin and costume designer Colleen Grady. For more information visit www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.
