A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at the Marilyn Monroe Theratre Reviewed by Nancy Pothier Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge is concerned with the consequences of a man refusing to face himself and his true desires. While this production delivers a strong first act, this precise, demanding, and affecting play requires flawless handling to save it from melodrama. Unfortunately, this production under director Anthony Caldarella deteriorates into exactly that, and at certain points invokes laughter instead of pathos from the audience.

The story concerns longshoreman Eddie Carbone and his unfamilial interest in his pretty young niece Catherine, despite the protestations of his troubled wife. When the family harbors Rodolpho and Marco, two illegal Italian immigrants, matters are complicated by an attraction between Eddie's beloved niece and the flamboyant Rodolpho. The major flaw in this production is veteran actor Burt Youngs portrayal of Eddie. Young is considerably older than the Eddie envisioned by the playwright, and he starts off wearily, as if already defeated. Both Susan Giosa as his suffering wife and Anne Morea as the naive niece give good performances in the first act, but stumble into shrieking melodrama toward the plays close. Michael E. Rodgers attacks the role of Rodolpho with an infectious exuberance, and Cosimo Fusco portrays the proud Marco with a chilling strength and passion. Carmen Argenziano is eloquent and effective as Alfieri, the attorney and voice of reason, and Warren Sweeney and Lou Casal turn in excellent performances in their small roles as longshoremen. Caldarella adroitly maneuvers his actors around the potentially problematic narrow stage, and his brisk pacing is appropriate for the most part. However, he could have allowed his actors to take more time in crucial moments, which would have diminished the histrionics. There is truth in silence. "A View From the Bridge,'' presented by the Lee Strasberg Creative Center by special arrangement with Anna Stasberg at the Marilyn Monroe Theater. Sept 22 - Nov 4. Detective Story Executive produced by Anna Strasburg with associate producer Dias Parvaneh and presented by The Lee Strasberg Creative Center under the auspices of Anna Stasberg, executive director t The Marilyn Monroe Theatre, Opened May 9; Plays Thursday - Saturday, 8; Sm., 7, closes June 23.

What can a critic say about a production as solid as Detective story? It's all there, every production value you've ever learned about... every actor's tool applied in the clearest and most effective way... every beat understood and played to its fullest potential ... every inch of the stage utilized for picturizations, both tight and expansive, incorporating movement patterns and stillness incorporating breath and depth pregnant with imagery and subtext extending the story beyond the walled space of the proscenium stage. What can a critic say, but Brava! Bravo!