Image credit: Oliver Rosser
Bryan Cranston, best known for playing TV’s Walter White, is once again making the jump from the screen to the stage with full force as he takes on one of his most challenging roles in his career. Cranston will be performing in a revival of Arthur Miller’s classic All My Sons, assuming the role of Joe Keller, a self-made businessman whose moral questionability and irresponsibility of selling faulty airplane parts ultimately leads to his family’s downfall.
All My Sons is a 1946 tragedy, based on a true story from the Second World War where the Wright Aeronautical Corporation had conspired with army inspection officers to approve defective aircraft engines destined for military use. The play centres around Joe Keller and his wife, Kate, as the truth about Joe’s role in shipping faulty airplane parts emerges, shattering their family and exposing the moral cost of his actions.
Cranston has been building a renowned acting career since the 1980’s but rose to fame most notably during the early 2000’s when he was the dad in the family sitcom, Malcolm in Middle (2000-2006) before getting his break-out role in the American series, Breaking Bad (2008-2013).
However, prior to his television career Cranston threw his hat into the theatre world, starting off in local theatre while studying at college in Los Angeles. Cranston began performing in productions like Barefoot in the Park and with Shakespeare Santa Cruz. His breakthrough came with All the Way (2013–2014) as Lyndon B. Johnson, which earned him his first Tony Award. He made his West End debut in Network (2017) as Howard Beale, winning the 2018 Olivier Award, and later reprised the role on Broadway in 2018–2019, winning a second Tony. Cranston’s other stage work includes The Taming of the Shrew and A Doll’s House.
Cranston appears to be drawn to this project now because it offers the combination of a rewarding role and a trusted creative team. When asked in an interview Cranston said this about the project.
“Arthur Miller, Ivo Van Hove, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Paapa Essiedu… If there is something that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, it’s to surround yourself with the most talented people. This group of creative artists has got me so excited to be a part of the All My Sons company”
With a powerhouse cast and one of theatre’s most gripping stories, Cranston’s return to the stage promises a West End event not to be missed.
All My Sons will be performed at the Wyndham Theatre from 13 November until 7 March.
Words by Gemma McDonald
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