The Hilberry Theatre opens Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2005.

Death of a Salesman, a Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and New York Drama Critics' Circle winning play, opened to critical and popular acclaim. Written in 1949, it is considered to be a masterpiece of the American theatre. The play revolves around the life of Willy Loman, a salesman whose pursuit for the American dream collides hard with his reality. Deemed an American classic, Death of a Salesman has transcended time. Miller uses Willy throughout the play as a catalyst to interpret the many trials and triumphs seen in American homes.

Death of a Salesman first opened on Broadway on February 10, 1949 at the Morosco Theatre. This production, which played for 742 performances, won several Tony Awards including Best Director, Best Play and Best Author. In 1999, a revival of Death of a Salesman was produced at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. Playing for 274 performances, it was awarded several Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play, Best Director and Best Actor.

Directed by James Thomas, Professor of Directing and Graduate Advisor, the cast includes: Andrew Huff (Willy Loman), Lisa Betz (Linda), Christopher M. Bohan (Happy), Tony Bozzuto (Biff), Mark Robson (Bernard), Mike Anthony (Charley), Aaron T. Moore (Uncle Ben), Nick DePinto (Howard Wagner), Jennifer McConnell (Jenny), Michael Brian Ogden (Stanley), Megan Callahan (Miss Forsythe), Amanda Rae Jones (Letta) and Tiffanie Kilgast (Francis). Designers for Death of a Salesman are David Court (scenery), Josh Fisher (lighting), Corey Globke (costumes) and Andrew Morehouse (sound). Globke, a recent graduate of the Hilberry Company, will be joining this production as a guest designer.

Death of a Salesman opens on Friday, January 7, 2005, and plays through Thursday, March 24, 2005, in rotating repertory with I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick and Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

Ticket prices range from $13-$22, with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for $10. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Theatre box office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass and W. Hancock. Performance information may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.theatre.wayne.edu.