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The Glass Menagerie

Presented by TexARTS at Kam and James Morris Theater

February 26-March 14, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.6 Stars):
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The Glass Menagerie is one of America’s great plays, written by Tennessee Williams and performed as part of TexARTS’ professional Off-Broadway Series. The rather auto-biographical play was originally written for MGM and premiered in Chicago in 1944 and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. The Glass Menagerie was Williams's first successful play; he went on to become one of America's most highly regarded playwrights. Williams (whose real name is Thomas) is largely reflected in the main narrator character of Tom, who recounts his life with and escape from his Mother, Amanda, and his sickly and (supposedly) mentally ill sister Rose would be Laura (whose nickname in the play is "Blue Roses", a result of an unfortunate bout of Pleurosis as a high school student). This union production integrates some of the region’s finest talent and brings one of our greatest American plays and playwrights to life with depth and quality.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Kam and James Morris Theater

    2300 Lohman's Spur, Suite 160
    Austin, TX 78734

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Regular Ticket Info: $30-$56 **Please Note: Cocktail seating for this performance will not be at tables in the theater, but will include a complimentary reception before the performance and during intermission.**

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    February 26-March 14, 2010

    Times:
    Friday and Saturday 7:30 PM
    Sundays 2:00

  • Accessibility Info

    Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.

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    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Enjoyed it!!"
      Review posted by: Kristen from Austin, Mar 08, 2010
      

      Wow, that was a great production. This is a very powerful play when performed at this level. So many nice moments. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Laura and Tom's friend. He made this... Expand

      Wow, that was a great production. This is a very powerful play when performed at this level. So many nice moments. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Laura and Tom's friend. He made this character seem almost likable despite what he does to Laura's world. Powerful stuff. But, it is Tennesee Williams after all. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Surprising experience"
      Review posted by: Aaron from Austin Texas, Mar 08, 2010
      

      Let's face it community theatre is a roll of the dice..and Tennesee Williams though the text in infallible it can lend itself to some bad acting. Not with this production! This was a solid... Expand

      Let's face it community theatre is a roll of the dice..and Tennesee Williams though the text in infallible it can lend itself to some bad acting. Not with this production! This was a solid performance right down the line giving the audience the opportunity to experience a powerful classic. The Mother and the Gentleman Caller stand out as amazing and professional actors bookending a talented ensemble. Rarely, does one experience this level of professionalism locally in such a humble setting. Great set work as well. The backdrop had a wonderful installation of flowers resembling both the dresses and interiors of the era...very nice touch. In short, the play was solid and delightful. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Glass Menagerie Paints a Pretty Illusion"
      Review posted by: anonymous from Austin, TX, Mar 04, 2010
      

      This charming production of "Menagerie" certainly surprised us. A relatively unkonwn theatre, Tex- Arts, has done a great job. How surprised we were and pleased to make the short journey. The cast... Expand

      This charming production of "Menagerie" certainly surprised us. A relatively unkonwn theatre, Tex- Arts, has done a great job. How surprised we were and pleased to make the short journey. The cast is great. Babs George is in full bloom and gives a wonderful performance as Amanda. This is a role that every actress, no doubt, aspires to play and Babs brings her usual flare. What surprised my wife and I most was newcomer to Austin, James David Hart as the Gentleman Caller. Let’s hope his new school, The Austin Conservatory, is as strong as his acting. Hickey brings a strong take on Tom, finding a great deal of humor in a roll that is often played in a humorless way and director Michael Costello deserves a round of applause for his dynamic and touching staging. People will likely talk about this show all year. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "William's famous memory play..."
      Review posted by: Anonymous from Austin, TX, Mar 03, 2010
      

      ...is such a household name that you may assume you've seen all there is to see in this small-cast drama from the mid-20th century. That would be a shame. It's true that Babbs George's powerfully... Expand

      ...is such a household name that you may assume you've seen all there is to see in this small-cast drama from the mid-20th century. That would be a shame. It's true that Babbs George's powerfully connected Amanda outshines her fellows in what should be a more even ensemble, but under the capable direction of Michael Costello, the poetry and insight in "Glass Menagerie" is given room to be heard anew. I was stunned by what perhaps should have been the production's least astonishing aspect - the words - but nevertheless, the richness and precision of the playwright's language landed fresh on my ears, as if it were as current as any Austin-born drama of the last decade. I hope you won't let the word "classic" keep you away. Come let this piece re-discover you. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Glass Menagerie"
      Review posted by: Austin Live Theatre from austin, Mar 03, 2010
      

      Tex-Arts' Glass Menagerie: superlative, accomplished, moving. Babs George as Amanda: haunting,lustrous as a hurricane lamp. Jude Hickey as Tom is angry, gentle and valiant. Austin Live theatre review... Expand

      Tex-Arts' Glass Menagerie: superlative, accomplished, moving. Babs George as Amanda: haunting,lustrous as a hurricane lamp. Jude Hickey as Tom is angry, gentle and valiant. Austin Live theatre review follows. 5 stars Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      ""The Glass Menagerie" a brilliant performance!"
      Review posted by: Maggie Kadlecek from Lakeway, TX, Mar 02, 2010
      

      This play is a must-see. I was blown away by the actors' performances on opening night. The play flowed without a hitch amidst the haunting, mood-setting stage. This is Tennessee Williams at his best.... Expand

      This play is a must-see. I was blown away by the actors' performances on opening night. The play flowed without a hitch amidst the haunting, mood-setting stage. This is Tennessee Williams at his best. TexARTS puts on first rate performances every time --- this is no exception! Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Babs George Shines"
      Review posted by: Anonymous from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2010
      

      When you head out for a night of Tennessee Williams, you expect a long, tension-filled affair peppered with fits. Apart from that, you have few guarantees--you hope the actors don't chew the scenery... Expand

      When you head out for a night of Tennessee Williams, you expect a long, tension-filled affair peppered with fits. Apart from that, you have few guarantees--you hope the actors don't chew the scenery and that, if they do, the scenery was at least appetizing. The TexArts production of "The Glass Menagerie" did have incredibly appetizing scenery, which was dimly (and beautifully) lit, just as Williams intended for his memory play. Babs George, as mother Amanda, lit the shadowed corners of the stage with her vibrance & charm. Even Amanda's overbearing ways--suffocating and exhausting as they are--seemed forgivable because they clearly stemmed from concern for her children. George brought out the nuturing qualities, and the audience was able to experience the compelling/repelling enigma that is Amanda. On the flip side, I wish that the supporting cast had met the bar set. Each operated in his/her own style instead of surrendering self to Williams' text. But, it was enjoyable overall. Collapse

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    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Enjoyed it!!"
      Review posted by: Kristen from Austin, Mar 08, 2010
      

      Wow, that was a great production. This is a very powerful play when performed at this level. So many nice moments. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Laura and Tom's friend. He made this... Expand

      Wow, that was a great production. This is a very powerful play when performed at this level. So many nice moments. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Laura and Tom's friend. He made this character seem almost likable despite what he does to Laura's world. Powerful stuff. But, it is Tennesee Williams after all. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Surprising experience"
      Review posted by: Aaron from Austin Texas, Mar 08, 2010
      

      Let's face it community theatre is a roll of the dice..and Tennesee Williams though the text in infallible it can lend itself to some bad acting. Not with this production! This was a solid... Expand

      Let's face it community theatre is a roll of the dice..and Tennesee Williams though the text in infallible it can lend itself to some bad acting. Not with this production! This was a solid performance right down the line giving the audience the opportunity to experience a powerful classic. The Mother and the Gentleman Caller stand out as amazing and professional actors bookending a talented ensemble. Rarely, does one experience this level of professionalism locally in such a humble setting. Great set work as well. The backdrop had a wonderful installation of flowers resembling both the dresses and interiors of the era...very nice touch. In short, the play was solid and delightful. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Glass Menagerie Paints a Pretty Illusion"
      Review posted by: anonymous from Austin, TX, Mar 04, 2010
      

      This charming production of "Menagerie" certainly surprised us. A relatively unkonwn theatre, Tex- Arts, has done a great job. How surprised we were and pleased to make the short journey. The cast... Expand

      This charming production of "Menagerie" certainly surprised us. A relatively unkonwn theatre, Tex- Arts, has done a great job. How surprised we were and pleased to make the short journey. The cast is great. Babs George is in full bloom and gives a wonderful performance as Amanda. This is a role that every actress, no doubt, aspires to play and Babs brings her usual flare. What surprised my wife and I most was newcomer to Austin, James David Hart as the Gentleman Caller. Let’s hope his new school, The Austin Conservatory, is as strong as his acting. Hickey brings a strong take on Tom, finding a great deal of humor in a roll that is often played in a humorless way and director Michael Costello deserves a round of applause for his dynamic and touching staging. People will likely talk about this show all year. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "William's famous memory play..."
      Review posted by: Anonymous from Austin, TX, Mar 03, 2010
      

      ...is such a household name that you may assume you've seen all there is to see in this small-cast drama from the mid-20th century. That would be a shame. It's true that Babbs George's powerfully... Expand

      ...is such a household name that you may assume you've seen all there is to see in this small-cast drama from the mid-20th century. That would be a shame. It's true that Babbs George's powerfully connected Amanda outshines her fellows in what should be a more even ensemble, but under the capable direction of Michael Costello, the poetry and insight in "Glass Menagerie" is given room to be heard anew. I was stunned by what perhaps should have been the production's least astonishing aspect - the words - but nevertheless, the richness and precision of the playwright's language landed fresh on my ears, as if it were as current as any Austin-born drama of the last decade. I hope you won't let the word "classic" keep you away. Come let this piece re-discover you. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Glass Menagerie"
      Review posted by: Austin Live Theatre from austin, Mar 03, 2010
      

      Tex-Arts' Glass Menagerie: superlative, accomplished, moving. Babs George as Amanda: haunting,lustrous as a hurricane lamp. Jude Hickey as Tom is angry, gentle and valiant. Austin Live theatre review... Expand

      Tex-Arts' Glass Menagerie: superlative, accomplished, moving. Babs George as Amanda: haunting,lustrous as a hurricane lamp. Jude Hickey as Tom is angry, gentle and valiant. Austin Live theatre review follows. 5 stars Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      ""The Glass Menagerie" a brilliant performance!"
      Review posted by: Maggie Kadlecek from Lakeway, TX, Mar 02, 2010
      

      This play is a must-see. I was blown away by the actors' performances on opening night. The play flowed without a hitch amidst the haunting, mood-setting stage. This is Tennessee Williams at his best.... Expand

      This play is a must-see. I was blown away by the actors' performances on opening night. The play flowed without a hitch amidst the haunting, mood-setting stage. This is Tennessee Williams at his best. TexARTS puts on first rate performances every time --- this is no exception! Collapse

    • Event Name: The Glass Menagerie
      "Babs George Shines"
      Review posted by: Anonymous from Austin, TX, Mar 01, 2010
      

      When you head out for a night of Tennessee Williams, you expect a long, tension-filled affair peppered with fits. Apart from that, you have few guarantees--you hope the actors don't chew the scenery... Expand

      When you head out for a night of Tennessee Williams, you expect a long, tension-filled affair peppered with fits. Apart from that, you have few guarantees--you hope the actors don't chew the scenery and that, if they do, the scenery was at least appetizing. The TexArts production of "The Glass Menagerie" did have incredibly appetizing scenery, which was dimly (and beautifully) lit, just as Williams intended for his memory play. Babs George, as mother Amanda, lit the shadowed corners of the stage with her vibrance & charm. Even Amanda's overbearing ways--suffocating and exhausting as they are--seemed forgivable because they clearly stemmed from concern for her children. George brought out the nuturing qualities, and the audience was able to experience the compelling/repelling enigma that is Amanda. On the flip side, I wish that the supporting cast had met the bar set. Each operated in his/her own style instead of surrendering self to Williams' text. But, it was enjoyable overall. Collapse

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