PTC's production of The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams' classic play about nostalgia, is closing very soon and, as I have been very busy the past few weeks, I thought about skipping it. I have read and seen this play performed countless times and, frankly, I sometimes find it to be very grim so I didn't feel any urgency. However, I decided at the last minute to see it last night and I am very glad that I did because I was quite impressed. The play is narrated by Tom Wingfield (Zachary Prince), a writer reminiscing about his memories of his mother and sister and their dreary existence in St. Louis during the 1930s. He longs to escape their suffocating apartment and substitutes movies for the adventure he craves. Amanda Wingfield (Nance Williamson) lives in the past, regaling her children with stories of the southern gentility she experienced growing up on a plantation and of her many "Gentlemen Callers." Laura Wingfield (Hanley Smith) is crippled and is so shy that she prefers to retreat into the world of her glass animals. None of them can face the harsh reality of their lives, which is momentarily brightened by the prospect of a "Gentleman Caller" for Laura (Logan James Hall). This play is very character driven and a good production relies on its cast to give engaging performances. Prince, Williamson, Smith, and Hall do that and more. Williamson, especially, commands attention as the overbearing Amanda and I found her interpretation to be quite humorous at times (I don't remember ever laughing at any of the other productions I've seen). I really liked the set, particularly the the portrait of Amanda's husband which dominates the space. I also really liked the use of light, which I found to be highly effective at conveying different moods throughout the play. I definitely recommend this production but, unfortunately, it it closing tomorrow; however, there are still a few performances left so act quickly and go here for tickets.
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