TV's Daniel Benzali to star on Santa Rosa stage

Los Angeles television actor Daniel Benzali, known for his recurring roles on “Jericho,” “The Agency,” “Law & Order” and “NYPD Blue,” will star this fall in a Santa Rosa stage production of “Death of a Salesman.”

Benzali will play aging salesman Willy Loman in the 6th Street Playhouse presentation of Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, running Oct. 3-26.

Recognized most readily for his TV work, including a Golden Globe nomination for “Murder One” in the late ‘90s, the bald, imposing Benzali also has extensive film and stage experience.

One of the few American actors to become a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Benzali has performed in London theater productions of “Evita,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Holiday.”

For the big screen, Benzali co-starred with Wesley Snipes and Diane Lane in “Murder at 1600,” and with Harvey Keitel and Mira Sorvino in “The Grey Zone.”

While “Death of a Salesman” will be the actor’s first stage work in Sonoma County, it won’t be his first trip here. He lived in the area briefly last year and recently met with the 6th Street Playhouse staff.

The production’s director will be Sheri Lee Miller, who has directed several shows at 6th Street, as well as other North Bay theaters. The supporting cast includes Tim Kniffin, John Craven, Michael Navarra, Eric Burke and Mark Bradbury.

For more information phone 523-4185, or visit www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.