THE GLASS MENAGERIE Takes The Stage At Firehouse

This month, Farmers Branch's award-winning theatre, The Firehouse Theatre, brings Tennessee Williams' literary classic THE GLASS MENAGERIE to the stage with a unique spin. With tickets ranging $13-$25, the play begins performances Thursday, January 17 and runs through Sunday, January 27. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheFirehouseTheatre.com, by calling 972-620-3747 or in person at The Firehouse Theatre (2535 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234).

Set in the segregated, Depression-era St. Louis, Missouri, an all too typical American family balances the power of their memories with the reality of their challenges after being abandoned by the patriarch of the household, whose presence is still felt in the sound of jazz and blues filling the air. The mother, Amanda, and son, Tom, struggle to connect despite their apparent familial love, as the daughter, Laura, proves incapable of living a normal life outside the safety of their small apartment. The need to provide for Laura becomes an all-consuming family mission that finds its potential resolution in Jim, an all-too average young gentleman caller who unwittingly finds himself carrying the hopes and dreams of every character in the play.

"A fanciful exploration and semi-autobiography of Tennessee Williams, it is a classic of American Theatre. But it's resonance should not be contained or made precious by dutifully recreating it as it was in 1944." Director M. Scott Tatum explained, "By explicitly casting the show to reflect the lives of African-Americans and other people of color during this time in St. Louis, the universality in the experience of Tom is magnified...made more urgent, more layered. With casting by Soul Rep Theatre and significant investment by our actors into telling their own stories through Mr. Williams' words, we hope to rekindle a love for the work. Being in the world our cast creates has been nothing short of magical."

Gen Donnell stars at Tom, with Gustavo Hernandez as Jim, Kimberly Williams as Laura and Monique Ridge-Williams as Amanda. Joining director M. Scott Tatum on the creative team is Brandon Tijerina (costume and scenic design), Bart McGeehon (lighting design), Adam Kullman (properties designer) and Sabrina Alegria (stage manager). Soul Rep Theatre Company has partnered with The Firehouse Theatre for THE GLASS MENAGERIE casting and dramaturgy assistance.

A public preview performance will be held Thursday, January 17 with opening night on Friday, January 18. Performances run over two weekends through January 27 with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 PM, and 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM.

The Firehouse Theatre is located at 2535 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. Tickets for THE GLASS MENAGERIE are now on sale and can be purchased at www.TheFirehouseTheatre.com.