“Just remember, kid, you can quicker get back a million dollars that was stole than a word that you gave away.” -Eddie Carbone in A View From The Bridge
I recently saw a terrific production of Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge. (Thank you to my friend and wonderful actor Sal V. for inviting me. He and the rest of the ensemble were dynamite. Tix/info Here. I highly recommend it.)
Some friends and I were talking outside afterwards about the power of Miller’s play and why it still resonates. We all proposed our theories…my friend Alex focused on the brilliance and beauty of Miller’s language.
Alex is right. Miller writes beautiful, poetic language that as an actor you want to say, and as an audience member, you want to hear. It’s as good as it gets.
But, what I especially appreciated about this production is that the actors didn’t make a meal out of Miller’s language. They spoke it plainly and simply as everyday dialogue, just like their characters would. They didn’t stop down to “wax poetic.” They just spoke truthfully and honestly, yet full of intention.
As a result, Miller’s language was allowed to be heard and felt without interrupting the power and resonance of this timeless story.
So, a reminder to myself and my fellow actors…
Don’t make a meal out of the dialogue. Or as one director friend often says, “Don’t put any extra mustard on that hot dog. It doesn’t need it.”
The Vs. Studio Blog 
What terrific performances of the beautifully written play. I was reminded of the power of live theater.
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That’s awesome Wilbur! Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Johnny, thank you for mentioning our stimulating post-show discussion in your blog. Your comment about Arthur Miller’s language reminded me of a mistake that inexperienced or talentless classical musicians make: they try to amplify the emotional charge of the music by slowing down the tempo at one moment and speeding it up the next one, or playing too softly only to assault the listener’s hearing with stentorian chords a second later, or accompanying particularly emotional melodies with grimaces intended to designate some sort of rhapsodic abandon. The result is invariably nauseating and the music loses its power and magic. Your insight about speaking Miller’s words without the “extra mustard” captures a similar sentiment. Do not try to “help” Chopin by infusing his music with maudlin sentimentality. Chopin does not need any help. Just play the notes and, if you play them well, there will not be a dry eye in the room. The same goes to the actor. Do not help Arthur Miller. Speak the words without embellishment, let Miller’s language do its work. The audience will be riveted. Guaranteed. Thank you. Alex
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Love this additional context Alex. Great to see the show with you! Thank you for sharing this my friend.
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