CATSKILL — In Bridge Street Theatre’s stunning production of Tennessee Williams’ iconic play “The Glass Menagerie,” the destructive power of memory is vividly portrayed. Don’t miss your chance to see this remarkable production, running until Oct. 15.
In this haunting tale, each character is haunted and shaped by their fragmented recollections of the past. Amanda, once a Southern belle, now lives with her two adult children in a Depression-era St. Louis apartment. Leigh Strimbeck delivers a flawless performance as Amanda, exuding delusion and employing coquettishness unsuitable for her age to escape reality.
Directed by Bridge Street co-founder Steven Patterson, the production skillfully captures the disappointment that defines the family. Abandoned by Amanda’s husband during their children’s elementary school years, his absence looms large through a center stage photograph. Patterson and the cast expertly navigate the complexities of the play, from the overall structure and pace down to the smallest details, such as Amanda inspecting a tissue or Tom choosing his words carefully to avoid upsetting his mother.
“The Glass Menagerie”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bridge Street Theatre, 44 W. Bridge St., Catskill
Running time: Two hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission
Continues: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 15
Tickets: $28
Info: 518-943-3818 and bridgest.org
Sensing Tom’s inclination to leave the family, Amanda enlists him to bring a coworker from his warehouse job to dinner, hoping the young man will become a suitor for her daughter Laura. Jim, played by Russell Sperberg, was a star in high school and unknowingly captivated Laura with his presence.
After the whirlwind of the first half, director Steven Patterson skillfully slows down the pace for the poignant scene between Jim and Laura. By candlelight, the pair sit on the floor, as Jim, with misplaced confidence, tries to uplift Laura. Sarah Jayne Rothkopf’s portrayal of Laura timidly blossoms under Jim’s gaze, while Sperberg’s tall stature and intuitive understanding of the character bring depth to Jim’s well-meaning but awkward intentions.
The outcome of this story is undoubtedly tragic, as Amanda later remarks, “Things have a way of turning out so badly.” These haunting words are projected on the set, along with other dramatic phrases, as part of Patterson and co-founder John Sowle’s commitment to remain faithful to Williams’ original vision. Personally, I have always found these projections unnecessary and melodramatic, a sentiment I shared when playing Tom in a high school production. The play also features incidental music by Paul Bowles, which, in my opinion, occasionally disrupts the flow with its tinkly sound.
On the drive back from Catskill after the opening night, my companion and I pondered why a company would choose to produce “The Glass Menagerie” once again, and why now. Perhaps it is the dedication of Patterson and Sowle to present one classic play each season, alongside newer or lesser-known works. It is also a consideration of commercial success, as opening night was nearly sold out, a testament to the quality of Bridge Street Theatre’s productions.
Ultimately, revisiting a significant work such as “The Glass Menagerie” offers an opportunity for a deep exploration of human relationships. Just like an orchestra choosing to perform Beethoven’s Ninth or Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” another production of this iconic play requires no justification if executed as skillfully as this one.
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