Thursday, October 20, 2011

Director's Note & Press Release: The Glass Menagerie

This one is bittersweet, because it was probably the best production I have ever directed but also ended up being my final production at Houghton College.  I am incredibly proud of this show and the talented cast and crew that I worked with.  Here's the brief director's note and press release.

The Glass Menagerie has been a very exciting challenge for all of us involved.  Exploring the various questions raised by the flaws of these characters was interesting for me as a director and demanding for the members of the cast.  It has been a unique experience.  I hope you enjoy the finished product.     -Nic

This fall Houghton College presents a classic of the American theater:  Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.
Tom Wingfield’s (Ben Layman) memories of his past are far from sunny.  Looking back he recalls a palpable tension between himself and his demanding mother (Carly Trask) mingled with a sense of concern and guilt regarding his meek sister Laura (Amber Payne).  Life for the family went from bad to worse when the Wingfield patriarch set off to find greener pastures, leaving those he pledged to love and care for behind him.  In the wake of his father’s departure the role of provider fell to a very reluctant Tom.  His new lot in life aggravated Tom’s growing frustration and he began to count down the days until he could follow in his father’s dusty footprints.  In truth, the only thing that kept him in the Wingfield residence was the love and concern he felt for frail, hen-pecked Laura.  Just as Tom begins to accept the futility of Laura’s state, hope blossoms in the form of a kindly gentleman caller (Dan Buckley).  Can he be the one to rescue Laura from her sadness, thereby giving Tom the freedom to move on and start his life?

Find out in the Tysinger Auditorium of Houghton Academy (9790 Thayer Street, Houghton) on October 20, 21 or 22.  Showtimes are at 7pm each night, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.  Tickets cost $5 and will be available at the door.  With questions or ticket reservations contact director Nic Gunning at Nicolas.gunning05@houghton.edu.