The Glass Menagerie is a play by Tennessee Williams that explores the conflicts and desires of a dysfunctional family living in St. Louis during the 1930s. The major conflict of the play is Tom’s struggle to escape his stifling home life and his responsibility to his family. The dramatic question revolves around whether or not Tom will abandon his mother and sister, and the unifying theme of the play is the power of memory and the illusions that people create to escape their unsatisfactory lives (Anxious 00:01:00). The dominant tone of the play is serious, with occasional moments of humor to alleviate the tension.
Directing
The production I watched was a filmed version of the 2013 Broadway revival directed by John Tiffany. The production concept was minimalist, with a single set consisting of a fire escape and a few pieces of furniture. The unifying metaphor was the idea of memory, which was reinforced through projected images and a non-linear narrative structure (Anxious 00:01:10). The production elements were compatible and coordinated, with the lighting and sound design contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere of the play.
The play’s themes were reinforced particularly well by the production’s use of memory. The non-linear narrative style enabled the spectator to concurrently observe the characters’ past and present personalities, emphasizing the difference between their idealized childhood selves and their contemporary circumstances. The projected visuals further enhanced the play’s surreal nature, which evoked the characters’ nostalgia and the difficulty of reliving the past (Anxious 00:23:10). Overall, the play’s topics were effectively communicated, and the staging gave the audience a gripping, immersive experience.
Acting
One of the actors who stood out was Cherry Jones, who played Amanda Wingfield. Jones was perfectly cast in the role, embodying Amanda’s neuroticism and desperation while still managing to evoke empathy from the audience. She was particularly effective in the second act, during her confrontation with Tom (Anxious 1:45:17). The other standout was Zachary Quinto, who played Tom. Quinto brought a sense of restlessness and simmering anger to the character, and his final monologue was a highlight of the production. The roles were appropriately cast, and all of the actors were strong. However, Celia Keenan-Bolger’s performance as Laura was somewhat underwhelming (Anxious 01:51:23). The audience were audible enough and were understandable. There were no special skills used in this movie on a specific actor.
Scenic Design
The scenery was simple but effective, evoking the shabbiness of the Wingfield apartment and the suffocating atmosphere of the family’s situation. The play was staged in a proscenium theatre, which is a traditional theatre (Anxious 00:01:25).. The scenery in The Glass Menagerie is crucial to the play’s atmosphere and themes. The play takes place in a small apartment, and the set design typically includes only a few pieces of furniture, such as a table and chairs, a sofa, and a small glass collection. If the scenery were eliminated from the production, much of the play’s atmosphere and themes would be lost.
Costume Design and Makeup
The costumes and makeup were unobtrusive but effective, helping to establish the period and the characters’ social status. There were no specific costumes that were needed for the play. Overall, the production was well-executed and engaging, with solid performances and an evocative design. The experience of watching a filmed version of a stage production was somewhat different from watching a live performance. Still, the quality of the production and the strength of the performances made it a worthwhile experience (Anxious 00:01:25). “The Glass Menagerie” remains a powerful play that speaks to the human experience with insight and compassion.
Lighting Design and Sound
The lighting and sound design of a play can significantly impact the overall production, and this was no exception in the 2013 Broadway revival of The Glass Menagerie. There were no special lighting required for the play except the ones used in production of the film. The lighting and sound were used effectively to contribute to the production concept and the total production (Anxious 00:01:25). The use of shadow and silhouette was particularly effective in emphasizing the contrast between the characters’ youthful dreams and their current reality (Anxious 00:13:25). Overall, the lighting design was skillfully executed and added to the overall quality of the production. The sound design was also effective, with music and sound effects used to set the mood and create a sense of atmosphere.
Personal Thought
“The Glass Menagerie” is a classic play adapted into several films, including the 1973 version referenced in the citation. The film follows the story of a family living in poverty in St. Louis during the Great Depression and their struggles in dealing with their past and present circumstances. The film is known for its strong performances, particularly by the lead actors, and its faithful adaptation of the play’s themes and motifs. It also captures the melancholic and dreamlike atmosphere of the play, which is an essential aspect of Williams’ writing. Overall, “The Glass Menagerie” movie is a poignant and moving adaptation of Williams’ play, and it remains a significant contribution to American theater and film.
Overall, the critique of the 2013 Broadway revival of “The Glass Menagerie” is positive, highlighting the strong performances, effective use of production elements, and the play’s enduring relevance. The minimalist staging and use of memory effectively reinforce the play’s themes, and the lighting and sound design contribute to the dreamlike and surreal atmosphere. While some minor criticisms are noted, such as a slightly underwhelming performance by one actor, the production is overall well-executed and engaging. The reviewer also acknowledges the significance of the play in American theater and film, and the continuing relevance of its exploration of the human experience.
Work Cited
Anxious Jellybean. (2021). The Glass Menagerie (1973) [Video]. Web.