You don't have to know that stars Robert, Andrew and John Prosky are related to be profoundly affected by Theater J's wrenching production of Arthur Miller's The Price, but their connection in this play of familial estrangement adds an additional layer of emotional impact.

The vibe is electric when the three share the stage, which first happens at the close of the second act. Victor Franz (Andrew) has hired a 90-year-old appraiser (Robert) in order to sell off the remains of his father's estate. The two banter throughout a good chunk of the first act; Robert Protsky's antics are frequently diverting, but the work doesn't really pick up steam until Victor's brother Walter shows up just as a deal is about to be reached.

John Protsky gives a magnetic portrayal of a contemptuous, ego-driven son who, despite giving his life a makeover never really gets past justifying his actions rather than taking responsibility for them. Arthur Miller, though, doesn't let us off the hook by having us merely pity the dutiful Victor, adding layers of complications to these brothers' relationships with each other and with themselves. Andrew Protsky's performance as Victor the policeman really starts to come together when he devastatingly begins to come to grips with some nasty revelations about the past and his interpretation of it.

Arthur Miller's The Price is so universal in its themes, from the conflict between duty and ambition to the dangers of lying to oneself, it's no surprise that his works are the subject of celebration for both Theater J and Arena Stage this year; the two are each contributing to an Arthur Miller Festival which will continue into April. The barbed tongues of the brothers in The Price can really cut to the core, but the insight's worth the turmoil.

The Price runs through April 18 at Theater J. Tickets are available online.