First debuting in 1944, Tennessee Williams’ classic play “The Glass Menagerie” is still performed all over the world, most recently at our own Theatre 29. With more production details, here’s Heather Clisby …
Tennessee William’s auto-biographical play “The Glass Menagerie” explores a dysfunctional family dynamic. Before there were helicopter parents, there was Amanda Wingfield, the self-appointed caretaker of her grown children’s success. Played with fretful energy by Janet Peercy, Amanda frustrates her son, Tom, who works in a shoe factory but dreams of adventure as a merchant marine.
Skillfully played by Chris Fleischman, Tom is torn between his own desires and those nagging family loyalties, particularly to his peculiar, limping sister, Laura, played with a delicate hand by Amy Fangmeyer. Laura enjoys glass animals, old records, and not interacting with people. Her crippling shyness has Amanda fretting over her lack of male suitors and the pending doom of the future. Lyle Williams plays Jim O’Connor, the one bright beam of hope in an otherwise sad scenario. The production is excellent but Fleischman is a real standout for his beautiful rages.
Directed by Katie Fleischman, “The Glass Menagerie” will run weekends through August 25. Friday and Saturday nights are at 7 and Sunday afternoons are at 2:30. Admission is $15. For tickets, visit theatre29.org or call 760-361-4151.
