I love being able to see amazing theatre production. Arden Theatre is a magnificently beautiful theatre to be in. Arden Theatre’s newest and first welcome back to theatre in person is A Streetcar Named Desire directed by Terrence Nolen. A Tennessee Williams play is full of intensity.
Safety Precautions
In accordance to the new ordnance, all patrons must present their proof of vaccination card as well as wear a mask the entire production. Also plan to arrive a few minutes earlier to present your vaccination card and find your seating. The house opens about 30 minutes before the start of the show. Pin it for later
Suitability
I would strongly caution taking anyone under the age of 16. It would be in my personal opinion to consider allowing this to be an adult only time. There are scenes that depict rape, violence, and adult themes.
Background Story
In A Streetcar Named Desire it follows Stella (played by Emilie Krause) and her husband Stanley (played by Matteo Scammel) as they dwell in their apartment. They are surrounded by their friends, Eunice (played by Taysha Canales), her husband Steve (played by Walter Deshields), and Mitch (played by Akeem Davis). As the scene opens Stella and Stanley live in the first floor apartment and they get a visitor, Stella’s sister, Blanche (played by Katherine Powell) while they are not there. Eunice receives Blanche and you notice that Blanche is an obvious alcoholic. She hadn’t been in the house before she begins to manipulate her alcohol use.
This unexpected visit almost move in with Blanche turns the married couple and their friends world upside down. You see Stella and her husband, Stanley seemingly loving marriage unravel when a Poker game is played. Too much drinking leads to a physical fight. Blanche is definitely feeling the need to protect her sister but she like clock work takes him back.
Secrets are Spilled
Where is Blanche running from? Why did she show up all of a sudden? Secrets are going to be spilled and they are dark. Blanche has some history from the loss of her own husband, the family’s home, finances, and in the end, it leads Blanche to visit with a doctor she won’t soon forget. She is not the only flawed. We know about Stanley’s bad behavior but he is a lot darker than most can imagine. He does the unthinkable and although he is fixated on revealing Blanche’s secrets to her sister and new love interest, Mitch he too has some unraveling that comes out too.
Production Style of Arden Theatre
If you remember my last time at Arden Theatre, it was to see the Snow Queen. I love the style of how Arden does their production. They always have such an openness to their floor plan. The entire middle of the floor becomes the stage. Actors and Actresses are moving all over as well as in and out. It makes no matter where you sit lifelike. You are always one with the production. I want to definitely shout out the Production Team because as simple as the scenes were, they did an excellent job of making us feel invited into the home instead of simply watching it from afar.
Themes that Stuck Out to Me
When Mitch learns of Blanche’s past she is anticipating that he will marry her. He says to her, I am not taking you home to my Mother. This ideal that her sordid past was not good enough for his Mother spoke volumes. Not even for that time but still now. Men who don’t see value in women do not make moves towards the futures. How their mother sees or will see the woman in their life matters. This is especially discerning since Mitch’s mother is sick. He is one of the only one in the group that is presumed single. He is still unwilling to bring her home. Mitch is aware that Blanche is older than she let on but its not her age but her past sexual explorations and the rumors of what she has done that is weighed higher.
Eunice Holding Things Down
We start the scene with Eunice as she is introduced to Blanche and we end the scene with Eunice once again being there for her friend, Stella. Many times during the melees you see Eunice who is dealing with her own issues with her husband, Steve, consistently showing up and being a force of comfort. Eunice is aware of the turmoil that has befallen the Kowalski home. She sees the violence, and of course comes in to shield. That shield of friendship will become so much more important as the ending scene is unfolded.
Veil of Reality
I was intrigued with the veil which in lament terms was the curtain that separated the scenes. There is a strong issue especially with Blanche and her inability to deal with the past. Her past is what jumps her to her present and dampens her future. Her future having to be made or “fixed” with marriage. Men being a financial plan is going to be a underlying theme that is apparent with Blanche’s showing up at the Kowalski’s home to begin.
The production, A Streetcar named Desire is at Arden Theatre Company now until February 13th. This is not to be missed in any way. It runs for about 2 hours and 40 minutes with at least one intermission. So give yourself about 3 hours.
There wasn’t one actor/actresses there that I had not seen them in other productions. Outside of Eunice (played by Taysha Canales who you may remember in Dionysus was such a Nice Man, there is the songbird herself, Joilet Harris. Joliet Harris was in many other amazing productions including television show, The Wire and Summer Love with Joi at Harrah’s Casino. It was so good to see so many familiar faces. This production is full of talent. Get your tickets and plan a night out.
Thank you the Arden Theatre Company and Bryan Buttler Media Relations for having me. I look forward to supporting you and your productions in the coming future.
