It's hot. It's humid. It's New Orleans in the summer. In 1940, in the Kowalski's apartment there is no air conditioning. Blanche DuBois has come to visit her sister, Stella Kowalski, and brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski, whom she has never met. It is an understatement to say these three are flawed, a gross understatement.
Ion Theater Company is currently showcasing Tennessee Williams' classic, A Streetcar Named Desire, under Claudio Raygoza's creative direction. His multi-level set provides both the interior of the Kowalski's two-room apartment, the street and hints of even more. A profusion of clear bare bulbs hang from above, with their filaments barely aglow, like fireflies glowing at different heights.
As the audience enters the overly warm theater and their eyes adjust to dark, they begin to notice bodies scattered about. It's hot, unbearably hot in New Orleans. As the theater darkens further, the bodies move and disappear. It's time to meet the Kowalskis.
Matt Scott is Stanley. Before he utters a sound, he is threatening. He is the ruler of his kingdom. He proves quickly that this Stanley is one of the darkest I've seen. Scott's actions also reveal a side not often seen. His Stanley roars like a lion but can mew like a kitten, if only momentarily. His byword is like "my way or the highway," in modern parlance.
Sara Beth Morgan is Stella. Yes, Stella fears her husband and loves him in a strange mix of emotions. She knows better than to light the wick of his instant temper, which takes mere seconds to boil over into rage. She also knows what she loves about her husband and how to please him and, at the same time, pleasing herself. She willingly lives in a world of tradeoffs.
Monique Gaffney is Blanche DuBois. Her inner demons dominate her. Blanche is a study in dichotomy. Her façade of southern gentility is cracked and weather-beaten. She and Stella share very little in common. They both live in a world that they can't control and have quite different tactics in attempting to control their destiny.
These three actors have created clarity in each of their roles. Gaffney seldom leaves the stage. Even when gone, her presence is still felt. Scott portrays a very believable character whose insecurities are well masked. Morgan creates fine subtleties in her interpretation of Stella that form the complex character well. The contrasts and complements of these three create a wonderful dynamic.
Brian Mackey as Blanche's romantic interest, Harold "Mitch" Mitchell, portrays Mitch's emotional rollercoaster well. Squabbling neighbors Steven and Eunice Hubbell are ably played by Rich Carrillo and Morgan Trant. Rounding out the cast are Colin Simon as Pablo Gonzalez and Bebe Black and Kevin Koppman-Gue, both playing multiple roles.
Tim Boyce's sound design is brilliant. When the train passes the apartment, the whole house vibrates. His complex track defines locations quite well. The music selections throughout carried the feel of the story.
The director's extremely dark lighting design adds to the atmosphere here.
This intense production runs just under three hours long enough to reach a true understanding of the Kowalskis and Blanche. You will not forget these three for quite some time.
