MOMS NIGHT OUT: The Glass Menagerie: Show Recommendation by Robin Gorman Newman
Photo credit: Michael J. Lutch
The 17-week limited engagement of the critically-acclaimed revival of Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie at the Booth Theatre (222 W 45th Street in NYC) is a rock star of a production! I read the “memory” play back in high school — who didn’t? — but to witness it on stage with such a stellar cast is a whole other experience, and a MUST see.
And “witness” is the operative word, since we are taken into their palpably stagnant everyday and close knit quarters to vividly observe feuds, frustrations and longing. We embrace these characters, flaws and all, because we know they come from a good place and want what we all want in life — stability, security, peace of mind and ultimate happiness.
The production features multiple Tony and Emmy Award-winner Cherry Jones as Amanda Wingfield, film and stage star Zachary Quinto as Tom, two-time Tony-nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger as Laura, and Brian J. Smith as Jim, the Gentleman Caller. Each heartfelt and earnest performance hits a home run.
Amanda Wingfield is an aging southern belle whose husband left her, living with two grown children in a tight apartment in St. Louis. Amanda aspires for a better life for her shy and crippled daughter Laura, and so she pushes her son Tom to find a “gentleman caller” for the girl. However, the arrival of the gentleman caller (who it turns out Laura had a high school crush on) for dinner rattles the family in a deep way, leading to tragic downfall. (Wear your waterproof mascara.)
From director John Tiffany and the Tony Award-winning team behind Once, The Glass Menagerie has set and costumes by Bob Crowley, lighting by Natasha Katz, and sound by Clive Goodwin. Original music is composed by Nico Muhly, and movement by longtime Tiffany collaborator Steven Hoggett.
This is a wonderful and stirring piece of theatre on every level. Nuanced performances, stunning lighting, mood-enhancing music, inspired set design, evocative movement, and inventive staging, the audience is captivated from the very opening.
Tickets may be purchased at Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or at the box office of the Booth Theatre.
Visit–
Web: www.TheGlassMenagerieBroadway.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGlassMenagerieBwy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MenagerieBwy
