THE GLASS MENAGERIE Opens at the Players Theatre

In 1945 The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams premiered on Broadway, more than seventy years later this classic snapshot of a struggling American family holds the intimate stage at the Players Theatre with a firm grip while unfolding a gentle, fleeting vision.

Be Bold! Productions, in residence at the Players Theatre, has chosen The Glass Menagerie for the first production in their annual Classic American Theatre series. "The Glass Menagerie is a theatrical jewel" stated Artistic Director, Brenda Bell. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to present this American Classic in one of New York City's original theatres that is a cherished jewel in Greenwich Village."

"It's a memory play" offered director Catherine Lamm "As such I felt it was important to keep the production as minimalistic as possible, focusing on the essential elements that have endured in Tom's memory." An avid fan of Williams, Ms. Lamm was struck by how autobiographical this play is. "In researching The Glass Menagerie and Tennessee Williams, I found an amazing amount of Williams' history infused in this play. Many people who are familiar with Williams know that he grew up in the South and he had a sister who, because of psychological problems, haunted Williams emotionally throughout his entire life."

To enhance the sometimes vague and eternally melancholy vibrations of Tom's recollections, composer Michael Sgouros was brought on to underscore the play and provide live, though not literal, sound effects. Mr. Sgouros, a Julliard-trained percussionist, is known for his minimalist compositions in other musicals including Sleepy Hollow which premiered at the Players Theatre.

The Glass Menagerie is set in St. Louis in the 1930's and revolves around the memories of Tom Wingfield (Jared Shirkey) who serves as the plays narrator. His mother, Amanda (Kate Warren) and sister, Laura (Bridget Dunigan) serve as both Tom's focus and frustrations. Amanda, a single mother with limited opportunities, lives on hope and delusion as she struggles to secure a future for he daughter. Laura, painfully shy and peculiar, avoids reality through her preoccupation with a small menagerie of delicate glass animals. In an effort to find Laura a suitable husband, Amanda pressures Tom into bringing home a gentleman caller (Tyler Nye). Brief hope quickly turns to inevitable hopelessness as Amanda's dreams shatter as quickly and softly as Laura's glass unicorn.

The Glass Menagerie opens May 22 and runs through June 6 on Friday and Saturday at 7p at the Players Theatre located at 115 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker and West 3rd). Tickets can be purchased at: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/945500 or by calling 212-352-3101 or 1-866-811-4111 or at the box office which opens daily at 11a. Student rush tickets are available for $15.