Cast & Crew Breathe New Life Into Classic Tennessee Williams Stage Production

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Tennessee Williams is regarded as one of the best playwrights of the 20th century, and it was his somewhat autobiographical 1944 stage drama 'The Glass Menagerie' that catapulted Williams to fame. The award winning play is loosely based on the author's early life, including his melodramatic mother and physically scarred sister, centering around a family dynamic. 

Because it has always been well received and considered on of the finest stage presentations of any generation, 'The Glass Menagerie' is a much sought after productions for regional and local theatre companies. 80 years after its initial premier in Chicago and later in NYC, Summerville's Flowertown Players under the skillful direction of Sue Vinick put their own hypnotic expression on Williams' masterpiece, offering up two plus delightful hours at the theatre.

'The Glass Menagerie' is one of the earliest forms of memory plays, whereas the events are narrated by a cast member who cautions not all recollections might have unfolded as presented. In this case the narrator is Tom Wingfield (son to Amanda, and younger brother to Laura), a lowly and frustrated shoe warehouse worker who dreams of being a poet and breaking out of his hum-drum life.

Set in 1940's St. Louis and years after the father has left the family, Tom welcomes his middle-aged mother as well as his shy and handicapped sister to live in his rather dreary apartment. A former southern belle facing financial hardship Amanda longs for the days of her youth, while worrying her daughter's condition may keep her isolated for the remainder of her days.

Will inviting a high school friend and co-worker to dinner spark romance and break Laura out of her shell, thus allowing Tom to relieve himself of some of the burden he feels for providing for his family? Are mother, daughter, and son destined for despair? 'The Glass Menagerie' is a riveting stage play, and Flowertown Players stay true to form, keeping Williams' preferred drama intact throughout.

The four person ensemble at Flowertown are remarkable, with the three actors playing the Wingfield family all ideally cast in their respective roles, presenting the family as frantic yet fragile and vulnerable.

Pat Cullinane who was last seen in Flowertown's production of 'Social Security' shines as Amanda, the overfully hopeful incessant chatterbox constantly trying to relive yesteryear, all the while constantly projecting her former ambitions onto her adult children, especially her un-attached daughter. Cullinane has the most dialogue and she is divine.

Equally stellar are Connor Hagan and Maddie Latham in the brother and sister roles. A recent graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NY, Hagan returns to Summerville offering up a mesmerizing and hypnotic portrayal of Tom, a distraught young man torn between chasing his dreams and taking care of his sister.

A theatre teacher at Stratford High, Latham has a long history with Flowertown as well as South of Broadway and Threshold in greater Charleston. Latham is spot on in her performance, depicting Laura just as intended, a quiet and withdrawn young woman afraid to step outside her comfort zone, finding more solace in glass figurines. Her portrayal is both soft and reserved, and ever mindful the character has a physical challenge. Well done!

In a smaller second act role Chase Priest adds a nice finishing touch to the overall performance as Jim, a would be expected gentleman caller for Laura, who unfortunately carries a hidden secret. Priest presents him as confident yet thoughtful of Laura's situation. A wonderful job all around by the four person cast.

While Flowertown usually provide adequate scenic design, they went a step above with 'The Glass Menagerie', offering up a welcoming yet modest stage depicting a low rent mid 1940's apartment that might have a slight genteel reflection. Nina Kahn's wardrobe further enhances the time period. Nice job all around.

'The Glass Menagerie' is a time treasured stage production, and when the actors commit to Williams' original vision it's worthy of taking in. If you enjoy theatre and prefer the classics, than I recommend seeing this play during it's weekend run at the historic James F. Dean Theatre through February 4th in Summerville. For more visit https://www.flowertownplayers.org/