American Repertory Theatre
 

Elizabeth Ashley & Andrew McCarthy in the Hartford Stage production of

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

by Tennessee Williams
directed by Michael Wilson
June 19 - July 10, 2001
at the Loeb Drama Center
photos - critics

with Anne Dudek & Willis Sparks

set design by Tony Straiges
costumes by Judith Dolan
lighting design by Howell Binkley
original music and sound design by John Gromada

Running time approximately two hours, plus one fifteen-minute intermission.

The Glass Menagerie, premiered in 1945, is revered as a masterwork of modern theatre and was the first play to firmly establish Tennessee Williams as a major new playwright and a Broadway success. In a story revealed through memory and haunted by an absent father, the play glimpses the Wingfield family's struggle to hold its ground in 1939 St. Louis. Amanda (Ms. Ashley), the matriarch of the family, is trying to maintain her dignity and provide for the future in the midst of the Great Depression. Her son Tom (Mr. McCarthy) has of necessity become the reluctant breadwinner after his father ran out on the family. His frail sister Laura (Ms. Dudek) has retreated from the world's harsh realities to a homebound life where she finds comfort caring for her collection of little glass animals. Tension in the tiny apartment mounts as Tom becomes increasingly dissatisfied with working in a warehouse, and Amanda's constant demands that he recruit a prospective husband for Laura. The arrival of Jim, a "gentleman caller" (Mr. Sparks), at the Wingfield residence could be a sign of hope or a disturbance that will shatter their fragile home.

• Read a Boston Phoenix interview with Andrew McCarthy and Elizabeth Ashley.

 

PHOTOS

 

Click any thumbnail for a full-size image. Photos: T. Charles Erickson, Jennifer Lester.

THE CRITICS ARE UNANIMOUS!

New York Times
It isn't likely that a star has put a more individual spin than Ms. Ashley does on the fearsome character who Williams said induces love and pity as much as laughter. Fresh is just how Mr. Wilson and ensemble perceive the play. Williams's words and vision are unfailingly wondrous, lyrically magical, and oh so difficult to get right. A fresh look, freed of cobwebs and ghosts.

Boston Globe
Ashley and McCarthy bring out both the anger and, surprisingly, the comedy in their mother-son scenes. Even with a famous actress like Ashley in the cast, Hartford Stage has achieved a balanced production, revealing this early Williams play as one of his greatest ensemble pieces. The direction of Michael Wilson is lyrical and explosive.

Connecticut Post
Hartford's Glass Menagerie is like a fresh breeze blowing through this old classic. This is the one production of theyear that shouldn't be missed. Ashley is magnificent ... a lioness among the magnolias. Dudek gives Laura awonderful humanity and makes her more substantial - and therefore even more heartbreaking - than anyone else I've ever seen in the role. Andrew McCarthy has the ability to tackle the most difficult of roles and shine in them.Willis Sparks does a very good job of charming everyone and unlocking Laura's heart.

Record-Journal
A hauntingly memorable experience.

Boston Phoenix
Tennessee Williams' s finest achievement. Insightfully directed, [this] rendition is very fine ... mines new sparkle from this much-picked mine.

New Haven Register
Hartford Stage's Glass Menagerie is driven by a force of nature named Ashley. There is a lovely piece of theatergoing on.

Herald
Occasionally, a theatrical production becomes a magical experience. [This] revival of The Glass Menagerie is such a production.

Hartford News
Breathing fire and shadowy angst, the cast illuminates the polyphonic magnificence of Tennessee Williams's classic.

WMNR
Far and away the most rewarding production I've seen. Ashley's Amanda Wingfield is a searing, gutsy evocation.

Springfield Union News
Exquisite theatre. A multi-faceted, wonderfully visual production. Ashley's Amanda is bold, stunning, declarative, and altogether evocative. Ashley bequeaths a bravura performance.

This page updated July 11, 2001
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