The Matrix Theater's All My Sons Returns

Anita Barone, Anne Gee Byrd, Maritxell Carrero, Tobias Hess, James Hiroyuki Liao, Alex Morris, A.K. Murtadha, Taylor Nichols, Linda Park, Taylor Scofield and Armand Vasquez are all set to return when The Matrix Theatre Company brings back its acclaimed multiracial staging of Arthur Miller's All My Sons for a limited five-week run beginning February 17.

"This is the first time in our 30-year history that we're bringing a production back," announced Matrix Theatre Company producer Joseph Stern. "The response from both critics and audiences was just overwhelming, and the entire cast wanted to continue."

In All My Sons, Joe Keller and Steve Deever, partners in a machine shop during World War II, knowingly turned out defective airplane parts that caused the deaths of many men. Now, the past has come back to haunt their families. Miller's gripping tale of corporate greed versus social responsibility remains as electrifying today as when first presented in 1947, but Stern and director Cameron Watson have upped the ante, presenting this non-traditionally cast version as the third play in a trilogy examining race in America through the lens of different playwrights.

"This production is a gut-puncher," wrote the Los Angeles Times when All My Sons first opened last fall. The LA. Weekly agreed, calling it "A riveting production... a rare and excellent rendition of the play. GO!" Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle member Madeleine Shaner enthused, ""Never have I been so moved... Go, Go, Go, GO!"

In Working Author, Earnest Kearney admitted, "Going into the production I was troubled by the notion of its non-traditional casting. Well I stand corrected. By his choice of an ethnically diverse cast, Stern has brought to the forefront of our receptiveness the play's profound 'universal truth' in the shadow of which the loss of a 'historical reality' went all but unnoticed."

Under the leadership of producer Joseph Stern, The Matrix Theatre Company endeavors to build a creative environment by exploring a variety of theatrical genres and styles that constantly challenges both actor and audience. This innovative technique has been critically acclaimed and rewarded-including numerous Ovation, L.A. Weekly, Drama-Logue and Backstage Garland Awards, and a total of 41 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards - the largest number of LADCC Awards garnered by any intimate theater in Los Angeles. The Matrix Theatre Company has been honored by the LADCC with Outstanding Production awards for Stick Fly (2009); The Tavern (1993), The Seagull (1994) and The Homecoming (1995), and Betrayal (1984); Outstanding Ensemble for Mad Forest (1996); and with four LADCC awards for The Water Children (1998). The Birthday Party (2001) was named Best Revival Production by the L.A. Weekly and received numerous nominations and awards, including five LADCC nominations, among others.

All My Sons reopens on February 17 and continues through March 18. Performances are scheduled Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 pm and Sundays @ 2 pm. All tickets are $25. The Matrix Theatre is located at 7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. For reservations and information, call 323-960-7773 or go to www.matrixtheatre.com.