Local actors mesmerizing in a stripped-down classic
Escape the summer heat and take in Kelowna Actors Studio’s production of Tennessee Williams’ the Glass Menagerie, a semi-autobiographical account of the playwright’s early days in 1930s St. Louis, Missouri.
Considered classic American theatre, the Glass Menagerie is considered a memory play in which the narrator (Tom Wingfield, played by Will Cullen) tells a story of some part of his or her past.
With a stripped-down set and fewer props, the production moves the focus onto Williams’ words and the interactions between the actors.
The entire play tales place at the Wingfield’s St. Louis apartment.
The effect is a powerful production, both humorous and painful.
Cullen is outstanding as Wingfield, an aspiring poet trapped in a factory job to support his family. He escapes reality by going to the movies and drinking.
He retaliates against his mother’s overbearing nature with sarcasm, even describing the gentleman caller he has lined up for his sister as medium homely.”
Cullen uses excellent timing to deliver his sarcasm and elicit laughs from the audience.
Tracey Hway takes on the part of Amanda Wingfield, Tom’s mother. Amanda is a proud Southern belle, devoted to her children; however, she is overbearing, nagging Tom about wearing a muffler and eating breakfast.
A single mother, she made a tragic mistake in her choice for her husband and wants to prevent her daughter from making the same mistake. Amanda escapes reality by reminiscing about receiving 17 gentlemen callers when she was young. Her flirting with her daughter’s gentleman caller is both funny and pathetic.
The interactions between Hway and Cullen light up the stage as the pair clash. The final confrontation between mother and son had the audience transfixed.
Andrea Sorestad plays Laura Wingfield, Tom’s fragile sister.
Sorestad quietly shines as Laura, a character so nervous she becomes physically ill and has to drop out of business school. She escapes into the world of her collection of little glass animals.
Jim O’Connor, Laura’s gentleman caller, is played by Sean Harris Oliver. Oliver is believable as a character who preaches the benefits of public speaking and social poise. Once a high school hero, O’Connor has slipped into mediocrity and basks in Laura’s admiration of his old self.
The Glass Menagerie is directed by Margaret Gobie, whose previous work with Kelowna Actors Studio includes Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and August: Osage County.
The Kelowna Actors Studio production of the Glass Menagerie runs until July 22.
Get your tickets at Kelowna Tickets in Orchard Park Shopping Centre, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at KelownaActorsStudio. com.