INTERVIEW: Sal Viscuso on how Arthur Miller’s words still resonate

Photo: Sal Viscuso stars as Alfieri in A View From the Bridge at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, California. Photo courtesy of Alex Neher / Provided by Borne Identities with permission.

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The Ruskin Group Theatre is currently reviving Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge, a quintessential family drama set in mid-century Brooklyn. One of the stars of the new production is Sal Viscuso, who plays the character of Alfieri. Viscuso is perhaps best remembered for his TV work, in addition to his many movie credits. He can be seen in multiple episodes of Soap, M*A*S*H, Barney Miller and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, among others. He has lived the hard-working Hollywood life, and now with his beloved industry hitting the pause button during the writers’ and actors’ strikes, he has taken to the stage in a classic American play.

Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Viscuso about the new revival of A View From the Bridge, which is directed by Mike Reilly and also stars Ray Abruzzo. Performances continue through Oct. 8 at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, California. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What’s it like bringing Arthur Miller’s words to life each night?

My earliest memory of my dad was when he, a longshoreman, came home from working on the docks. I grew up in Red Hook, Brooklyn, in the ’50s. Lead character Eddie Carbone is a longshoreman working these very same piers in the identical time period — 1955. So being in this particular Arthur Miller play resonates deeply. It brings my pop back to life. 

How do you approach the character of Alfieri?

He speaks the truth. My intention was to be as direct as possible and not embellish anything. Arthur Miller’s syntax needs no improvement. Since I trust the writing, I simply tried to learn the exact text and listen to Eddie and to my audience whom I address directly. They serve as my sounding board. I imagine their responses as I lay out the story that is about to unfold, then sum it all up at the end.

What’s it like working with the Ruskin Group Theatre?

From the very first moment that I set foot in their theater, I felt welcomed by each and every one in their company. John Ruskin founded the professional theatre 20 years ago in a WWII airplane mechanic’s hangar. Volunteers attached stage lights to the steel beam that was originally meant for plane engines. Acting students with power tools installed theaters seats, and the hanger turned into a popular performing arts “gem” that is so loved by locals today in Los Angeles. Mike Myers and John have produced almost 100 plays since then. In the last 15 years they created an original monthly series called Cafe Plays, and they’ve added numerous music events. It’s like being in the center of all the action.

Do you get nervous before curtain, or is it all confidence?

I always, without fail, have a singular moment of nervousness before going on stage. Thankfully, I have to get to work immediately, so my mind is focused on what I’m about to say and do. 

What’s it like to work with this ensemble of actors?

Every single person in this cast embodies her or his role seamlessly. No one is miscast. Not only have I been in productions where I did not belong but have worked with many an actor whose part was a mistake. That throws the entire production off course. 

Do you look back fondly on your time on Soap? What was that experience like?

My role as the conflicted Father Tim’ put me on the map, allowed me to buy my home. So I have only fond memories of working with Diana Canova, Robert Guillaume and Doris Roberts. Susan Harris, who created the show, wrote monologues for me that were funny and poignant. In fact, she wrote every one of my episodes. I only wish my dad had lived to see it. Three years to the very day that he passed, I was hired to play Father Tim.”But, somehow he was aware, I believe. My mom did see it and loved the fact that her Catholic son was playing a priest. So, yes, it was a wonderful experience working on that controversial show

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

A View From the Bridge, featuring Sal Viscuso, continues through Oct. 8 at Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, California. Click here for more information and tickets.