All My Sons, Opens at Center Playhouse on D-Day – June 6

In preparation for the opening of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, All My Sons, by Arthur Miller, Ernie Diorio, of Manalapan, First Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Jersey Shore Area Chapter 12, came down to Center Playhouse to talk with Anthony Greco, of Oakhurst, Director and actor, in the powerful drama scheduled to open on D-Day, June 6.  Although All My Sons takes place in 1946, post World War II, and Ernie Diorio served his country in the Vietnam War 1967-68, he was able to shed light on the powerful emotions of men coming back from active combat.  The interview helped the director and actors bring even more depth to this powerful play.

Anthony Greco, plays the role of Chris, the son of Joe Keller, who returns from the war and finds his father's partner in an aviation parts business in prison for selling defective air craft cylinder heads to the military, resulting in the death of 21 pilots. The courts exonerated Chris’ father but the weight of the possible guilt lies heavily on the shoulders of all involved. The Keller’s second son, Larry, has been missing in action for three years, bringing much grief to Chris' mother and family. Although this is the storyline in All My Sons, Ernie Diorio commented, "Many men returning from combat often suffer from survivor guilt, the thought of, ‘why did I come home and so many others couldn't.’  They feel that they have abandoned their closest friends."  Anthony Greco shared that the character he plays, "suffers badly from this and is struggling to come to terms with the conflict between the trauma he experienced in war, the benefits of the post war boom and the normalcy of those around him who haven't seen what he has seen".

Ernie Diorio spoke about the universality of the war experience, “You become closer than family, a brotherhood, with your comrades as you depend on each other to survive another day". He also added, "Until 911, the concept of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, was not fully recognized for veterans and treatment wasn't really offered. It is easier to see a physical injury than an emotional one. Seeing that veterans from all wars get the care and respect they deserve, has been a mission of the VVA".

Just as was illustrated in the play, Ernie shared that there were, “instances of faulty and old equipment given to his men. The herbicide, Agent Orange, used to clear jungle vegetation, killed service men that were both fighting and spraying it.  Survivors of that war still experience physical and mental health issues to this day as a result of Agent Orange.  Anthony commented that, “although the circumstances were different, the manufacture and selling of war materials and equipment could result in a moral dilemma in which greed created tragic outcomes.

Anthony and Ernie spoke for quite a while and the two men had the opportunity to discuss, illuminate and gain insight into the deeper issues and questions that face so many men and women who serve in the military. They both agreed that Arthur Miller was ahead of his time in throwing a spotlight on the tremendous emotional effects of war on all who lived through it and on those back home who experienced the war vicariously through their loved ones who returned to them.

Be sure to come and see this amazing theatrical classic presented by Center Players, Freehold's award winning resident theater company. Its profound messages will stay with you long after the curtain comes down.

You can contact Ernie Diorio for assistance with veteran related issues at 732-245-5552 or litetrop67@aol.com.

All My Sons, opens at Center Playhouse, located at 35 South Street in downtown Freehold, on Friday, June 6th and runs for four weekends through June 29th, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $23 for Seniors & Students and includes gourmet desserts and refreshments. Group rates for parties of ten or more are available. Seating is limited so call the box office at (732) 462-9093 or visit us online at www.CenterPlayers.org to purchase your tickets.