Back Alley christens new venue with classic 'Death of a Salesman'

Portraying the Loman family in "Death of a Salesman" are, clockwise from top left, Zach Jordan as Willy, Madison Smith as Linda, Christopher Smith as Biff and Michael Lynn as Hap.

From left, Michael Lynn plays Hap Loman and Christopher Smith is Biff Loman, two young men lost in the cutthroat world of business, in "Death of a Salesman."

Back Alley Productions will present final performances of the Arthur Miller classic "Death of a Salesman" this weekend in its new home, the Mars Theater in LaFayette, Ga.

The production is Back Alley's first in the historic venue after the departure of the Northwest Georgia Arts Guild.

"We've converted the entire space into a black-box setting ideal for 'Death of a Salesman,'" says the theater company's executive director, Kaylee Smith. "Finding a permanent theater home for Back Alley is exhilarating, and we can't wait to show it off to the community."

Three more chances exist during the run of "Death of Salesman," which is widely considered one of the greatest plays of the 20th century for its concepts of competition, failure and the struggle between career and family. It centers on Willy Loman, a traveling salesman trying to secure the elusive American Dream. As Willy grows older and times get tougher, he is forced to face the reality that he may have lost himself while seeking prosperity for his family.

"Now more than ever we are told our self-worth is based in the success of our careers," Smith says of the plot line. "This story explores the consequences of putting our whole identities into our profession, as well as the sacrifices, both moral and spiritual, we must make to meet society's definition of success. Though set in the 1940s, 'Death of a Salesman' cautions the modern man, and woman, about the dangers of losing yourself to the wrong dreams."

The show runs about two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

The cast comes from Lafayette, Chattanooga, Hixson, Ringgold, Dalton and Calhoun, Ga. It stars Zack Jordan, Madison Smith, Michael Lynn, Christopher Smith, Michael Tate, Keegan Westra, Trey Henderson, Kelsea Rambin, Rachel Templeton and Alyssa Whitesell. Smith and Kelsea Rambin are directing.