All Aboard Our Streetcar Named Desire by Ilana Jael
Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando in the 1951 film adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Whether you’re a particular fan of the show or not, it isn’t exactly controversial to suggest that there’s something uniquely spectacular about A Streetcar Named Desire. Not only was this 1947 masterwork by playwright Tennessee Williams honored with the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, but, in part due to the smash-hit success of the subsequent 1951 film adaptation, the work has left an indelible cultural imprint.
One obvious reason for this is Williams’ awestriking command of language and knack for lyricism. And another easy one to point to is the strength of the play’s two main characters - the genteel and fragile southern belle Blanche Dubois and the brutish but magnetic Polish immigrant Stanley Kowalski - and the fundamental conflict between them. The drama that plays out between the two is not only a charged interpersonal power struggle between two near-opposite characters but also a clash of two opposing ideologies. Is the world to be won through brute force and harsh language or slyly seduced through charm and airs? When you hear the roar of a streetcar named desire…were you always doomed to hop aboard?
As you can learn more about in Inside Look, this production is also a special one for New City Players as a company. First, given that a production of Williams’ A Glass Menagerie was one of our first offerings in our inaugural 2016 season, this is something of a fated reconnection with his exemplary work.
Stuart Meltzer, director of New City Players’ production of Streetcar.
It’s also our first time working with guest director Stuart Meltzer, perhaps best known in the region for his work as Artistic Director of Miami’s Zoetic Stage and who has expressed his excitement to help NCP reinvigorate the work with a unique spin. Meanwhile, taking on the play’s three leading roles will be three stellar performers whose prowess should be well-known to any NCP fans.
Timothy Mark Davis will take on the iconic role of Stanley Kowalski, with Casey Sacco as his adoring Stella. Completing this golden trio will be Elizabeth Price, taking on her #1 dream role in the sensitive southern belle Blanche Dubois. They will be joined by a slew of other talented local artists who are making their NCP mainstage debuts: Jesus Reyna as Harold Mitchell (“Mitch”), Russell Kerr as Steve Hubbell, Sheena O. Murray as Eunice Hubbell, Inez Barlatier as Edna Jean/Nurse, Juan Gamero as Carlos/Doctor.
You’ll also be able to catch one more NCP ensemble member onstage in Alex Joyel as Pablo Gonzales/Young Collector. Though he doesn’t get a ton of stage time, you can enjoy a satirical take on his experience as two of Streetcar’s least essential characters in our original Youtube series No Small Parts as well as enjoy him as host of our zany talk-show Betwixt Two Sticks.
Behind the scenes, you’ll find also find NCP ensemble members Amber Mandic as stage manager, Andrea Guardo-Cuao as assistant stage manager, Ernesto K. Gonzalez as sound designer, and Jameelah Bailey as props & set dressing designer, and Annabel Herrera as lighting designer. Pryscila Cassiano Salinas as assistant director, and the crew will also include Aubrey Kestell as scenic designer and production manager, Laura Turnbull as costume designer, David A. Hyland as fight choreographer, Ali Tallman as dramaturg, and Jeni Hacker as intimacy choreographer.
The cast of New City Players’ production of A Streetcar Named Desire. From left to right: Sheena O. Murray, Juan Gamero, Alex Joyel, Casey Sacco, Inez Barlatier, Timothy Mark Davis, Elizabeth Price, and Jesus Reyna.
All in all, between this starry set-up and the play’s inherent emotional power, it’s no surprise that Streetcar is shaping up to be the can’t-miss theatrical event of the summer. In fact, tickets are in such high demand that five performances are already sold out completely, including all of opening weekend!
But no reason to be bummed if you missed out on a seat and were looking forward to the afterparty - there’ll be plenty more opportunities for Streetcar-themed celebration throughout the run! If you come on any Friday after opening, you can enjoy some period-inspired live jazz from some up and coming musicians along with complimentary libations. Or, if you opt for one of our “spirited” Saturday nights, then you can choose to partake post-show in some special Streetcar-themed cocktails!
Lastly, if you’re interested in delving deeper into the themes and history of the show, you can opt for any Sunday performance. After each, community engagement manager, Marlo Rodriguez, and Dramaturg Tallman will lead Streetcar’s cast and crew in an informative and engaging talkback. Even if you just choose to come on an ordinary Thursday, this is one Streetcar you definitely don’t want to miss!
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Ilana Jael is a writer and critic. She serves on the board of directors of New City Players.
A Streetcar Named Desire
Directed by Stuart Meltzer
Starring Elizabeth Price, Timothy Mark Davis, Casey Sacco, Jesus Reyna, Sheena O. Murray, Russell Kerr, Alex Joyel, Juan Gamero, and Inez Barlatier
WHEN
July 11-12 (Preview shows)
July 13-August 4, 2024
WHERE
Island City Stage in Wilton Manors
TICKET PRICE
$25-$45
DETAILS
2 Hours and 30 Minutes + a 15 Minute Intermission
Make sure to plan your visit after booking tickets!