Csu's Theatre Production Of The Glass Menagerie

Theatre productions all over the world have set out on stage to give the audience a peculiar feeling, one that grows stronger as each scene progresses. A select few have been pieced together to bring back a special moment in your life, specifically a time you once had with a loved one, that keeps your heart and mind going. This is portrayed in CSU’s Theatre production of “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams directed by Garrett Ayers. Tom Wingfield, performed by Noah Kaplan, is torn away from the present and is sent staggering into his painful past. Memory is the key element to understanding. When we first meet Tom Wingfield, he simply walks into the room and explains to the audience the “play is memory” and to understand the present, …show more content…
Both Tom Wingfield – Noah Kaplan – and Amanda Wingfield – Kate Lewis – orbit around the character of Laura. Alone, she has made the choice to stay confined in what she defines as her comfort zone. She has reached a point to where it seems that she has no control over her own life, she builds up barriers against all that come towards her, including her brother and mother. There comes a time in the production when, Laura’s mom discovers she has quit school, during this scene she questions Laura on what they are going to do now – are they just going to amuse themselves with the glass menagerie and replay the worn out records her father had left them as a painful reminder of him. The glass menagerie proves to be so delicate, yet so strong that even with minor defects it can continue to stay upright and glisten in the light, just as Laura has managed to do through her …show more content…
When Laura is finally offered a simple form of love she grasps onto it tightly and appreciates every moment of it. This is strongly seen when Laura is left alone with Jim O’Conner, performed by Benjamin Patten, the Gentleman Caller. This sends Laura into a new dimension which sends her in the direction of reality. The scene is very intimate. Jim O’Conner is gentle with her and the passion that radiates off one another is strong. Once the Gentleman Caller arrives on the stage, it is brought up that the highlights of O’Conner’s life were experienced and ended after his high school career. He is set on the future, even if it means settling for love that is simply ordinary. Coming into contact with Laura throws his soul off balance, and with a simple act he breaks more than just Laura’s heart. This proved to be a beautiful moment. The monologues presented by Tom are both serious, but also shed light on the upcoming events about to occur. Tom and Amanda rummage between togetherness and animosity with each encounter; they are so close, yet both are afraid to admit it. These scenes have a touching effect on the audience. Amanda Wingfield, has a powerful voice and great gestures to show that Amanda is living a “small life.” She sees Amanda as Alice in Wonderland without a clue of her surroundings and the past of her husband relives within her