Streetcar Named Desire, a highly creditable production of a difficult drama.
A Streetcar Named Desiare by Tennessee Williams. Ottawa Little Theatre. Directed by Sarah Hearn
A Streetcar Named Desire, generally regarded as one of the major plays of the 20th century, is also one of the most disturbing. Playwright Tennessee Williams’ portrait of aging southern belle Blanche Dubois, surrounded by self-delusion and fantasy as she crumbles into mental collapse was the primary focus of the drama when it premiered in 1947.
When Marlon Brando recreated his stage performance in the 1951 movie version as her brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski, the balance of the drama seemed to shift to make Streetcar his story, highlighting the explosive relationship with his wife, Stella — Blanche’s younger sister — and the constant tension with Blanche.
As Blanche’s final hope of being rescued from financial, moral and mental ruin, Stanley’s shy friend and former army buddy, Mitch, seems to be the answer, until Stanley discovers just why she left her home town.
Under Sarah Hearn’s precise direction, the Ottawa Little Theatre production maintains a delicate balance among the four principals, as well as creating a believable backdrop in terms of the ambience created by Robin Riddihough’s fine bi-level set, David Magladry’s lighting and the neighbours in the rundown French Quarter of New Orleans.
In addition to the unsettling effect that Blanche has on her sister’s mostly happy marriage — occasionally punctuated by violence, the contrast between Blanche’s vanity, pretension and snobbish disdain for Stanley and his raw energy and periodic eruptions works well. While they represent the extremes of emotion and behaviour, Stella and Mitch are the embodiment of truth in their approach to relationships.
Both Megan LeMarquand as Stella and Kurt Shantz as Mitch deliver thoughtful and nuanced characterizations. Dan DeMarbre’s Stanley is appropriately raw, passionate and angry. As Blanche, Laura Hall is convincing as the vain Southern belle, she is a little less clear as she sinks into total collapse following her final encounter with Stanley.
In general, however, this is a highly creditable production of a difficult drama.
The OLT production of A Streetcar Named Desire continues to April 7.
Director: Sarah Hearn
Set: Robin Riddihough
Lighting: David Magladry
Sound: David Ing
Costumes: Peggy Laverty
Cast:
Blanche Dubois……………………………………..Laura Hall
Stanley Kowalski……………………………………Dan DeMarbre
Stella Kowalski……………………………………..Megan LeMarquand
Harold Mitchell……………………………………..Kurt Shantz
Isabelle………………………………………………Lesley Hammill
Eunice Hubbell………………………………………Amy Kennedy
Steve Hubbell………………………………………..Ryan Tapping
Mexican woman……………………………………..Carolyn Côté
Sailor…………………………………………………Jack Guigue
Pableo Gonzales……………………………………..Newman Charles
Delivery man…………………………………………Boyd Drake
Thug………………………………………………….Michael Clarke
Woman of the Quarter……………………………….Marlene Spatuk
Collector……………………………………………..Amanda Abebe
Nurse…………………………………………………Susanna Doherty
Doctor………………………………………………..Philippe Gagnond