The Ford's Theatre to Continue 2015-16 Season with THE GLASS MENAGERIE

The Ford's Theatre 2015-2016 season continues with "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams, January 22 to February 21, 2016. One of the greatest American plays of the 20th century and Tennessee Williams's breakout drama, "The Glass Menagerie" explores the visceral bonds of family. The production features stage and film actress Madeleine Potter as Amanda, with Tom Story as Tom, Jenna Sokolowski as Laura, and Thomas Keegan as the Gentleman Caller.

Southern matriarch Amanda frets constantly over her two live-in adult children-the painfully shy Laura and Laura's restless poet brother, Tom. With great cajoling, Tom brings home a possible suitor for Laura, but reality soon casts a shadow on Amanda's dreams for both her children. This emotional and enduring family drama made Williams famous and has become a classic of the American repertoire.

"More than 70 years since its first Broadway run, 'The Glass Menagerie' earns the distinction of being the first Williams play produced at Ford's Theatre," said Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. "I'm thrilled to welcome back Mark Ramont to direct, and to have Madeleine Potter, Tom Story, Jenna Sokolowski and Thomas Keegan on board to bring this iconic memory play to life."

"In thinking about how to present this story about dreams, regrets and those we leave behind, I want to focus on the sibling relationship between Tom and Laura," said director Mark Ramont. "We know that the story mirrors Tennessee Williams's own family life. I look forward to working with Madeleine, Tom Story, Jenna and Thomas Keegan to laugh, explore the fragility of this family and consider how our actions often hurt most the ones we love."

"The Glass Menagerie" is recommended for ages 12 and older for its complex language and ideas.

"The Glass Menagerie" is made possible by Lead Sponsor ExxonMobil; and Sponsors Siemens Corporation, Fluor Corporation and Liberty Mutual. The Ford's Theatre 2015-2016 Season Sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron.

THE DIRECTOR

Mark Ramont returns to Ford's to direct for the first time since his 2011 production of "The Carpetbagger's Children." As former Director of Theatre Programming at Ford's Theatre, Ramont was instrumental in shepherding the development of world premiere productions including "Necessary Sacrifices," "Liberty Smith," "The Heavens Are Hung In Black" and "Meet John Doe." Ramont's regional directing credits include productions for Round House, New York's Circle Repertory Company (where he served as Associate Artistic Director), Stages Repertory Theatre and the Alley Theatre. He is a three-time recipient of the Austin Critics Circle Award for Best Director and a three-time winner of the Austin Circle of Theatres award for Outstanding Direction. Ramont has taught at Rice University, Sam Houston State University and American University. He currently teaches in the Theatre and Dance Department at California State University, Fullerton.

THE CAST

Madeleine Potter (Film: The White Countess; PBS's Mr. Selfridge; Broadway's "The Master Builder," "The Crucible," others) returns to the Washington stage for the first time in 30 years to play Amanda Wingfield. Cast of "The Glass Menagerie" also includes Tom Story (Ford's "1776," "Sabrina Fair," "A Christmas Carol') as Tom, Jenna Sokolowski (Arena Stage's "The Shoplifters") as Laura, and Thomas Keegan (Woolly Mammoth's "Women Laughing Alone With Salad") as the Gentleman Caller.

THE DESIGNERS

Scenic Designer Timothy R. Mackabee (Broadway's "The Elephant Man," "Heathers") has created a network of three-story fire escapes as the backdrop for the Wingfields' St. Louis apartment. Costume Designer Frank Labovitz (Signature Theatre's "West Side Story," "Cake Off") incorporates designs from the 1930s and remnant pieces from the absent Wingfield father's closet to show a family living with the influence of the past. The production team also includes Lighting Design by Dan Covey, Sound Design and Original Music by John Gromada, Projection Design by Clint Allen, Hair and Make-Up Design by Anne Nesmith, Dialects and Voice Direction by Leigh Wilson Smiley, Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast and Assistant Stage Manager Staci Blue.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

There will be audio-described performances of "The Glass Menagerie" on February 2 at 7:30 p.m. and February 13 at 2 p.m. A sign-interpreted performance is February 18 at 7:30 p.m. A captioned performance is scheduled for February 20 at 2 p.m.

Three of Tennessee Williams's best-loved plays, "The Glass Menagerie," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "A Streetcar Named Desire," will be produced on Washington-area stages during January-June 2016. Ford's Theatre, Round House and Everyman Theatre each offer a 20% discount on tickets for select performances as well as several discussions related to the stage productions and the life of Tennessee Williams. Interested parties can use code WILLIAMS when purchasing in-person or online at the respective venues.

"The Glass Menagerie" Meet and Mingle: January 31

Following the 2 p.m. matinee performance of "The Glass Menagerie" at Ford's Theatre, talk theatre with fellow audience members and members of "The Glass Menagerie" cast at Bistro D'Oc, located across the street from Ford's Theatre. Event is free. Cash bar available. Performance tickets sold separately at www.fords.org.

"The Glass Menagerie" Under 35 Night: February 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Patrons younger than 35 can purchase discounted tickets to "The Glass Menagerie," then stay afterwards for a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Hang out with like-minded young arts fans, meet new people and see Ford's Theatre in a brand new light. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.fords.org or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787. Use promo code UNDER35. You must show ID at the Box Office once arriving at the theatre. Limit of six per person.

Read more online at http://www.fords.org/home/media-center/releases-and-updates/menagerie-2016-fords

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