The Broadway revival of The Glass Menagerie will close early on July 3rd; the revival of the classic Tennessee Williams play had been expected to end its limited engagement on July 17th at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
The production has been floundering in its grosses (having reached no more than a 43.58% capacity last week), but also opened to less than sterling reviews on March 22nd, with David Leveaux' direction of the delicate piece also coming under fire (The New York Times' Ben Brantley called the show "surreally blurred"). The play, which is set in St. Louis in the 1930s, stars Jessica Lange as Amanda Wingfield, a former southern belle who can't let go of the past, while Christian Slater stars as her son Tom and Sarah Paulson her dreamy, crippled daughter Laura. Josh Lucas had opened as the Gentleman Caller, but due to a film commitment, understudy Joey Collins took over in the role; a replacement was never announced for him. The show was also rocked by casting troubles early in its production history, with original Tom Dallas Roberts let go from the play during rehearsals.
The Glass Menagerie is produced by Bill Kenwright, with scenic and costume design by Tom Pigh, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and sound design by Jon Weston. In its original production, which opened on March 31st, 1945, the play starred Laurette Taylor as Amanda, in what is considered one of the most unforgettable performances in Broadway history.
