The Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie

Masterworks Theater Company

Off Broadway - 47^th Street Theater

May 16, 2015

Photo courtesy of
Masterworks Theater Company

MasterworksTheater Company, in the first production of their inaugural season, has mounted Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.  Director Christopher Scott found the rhythm, poeticism, and soul of Tennessee Williams.  The cast brings to life these well-known characters with vivacity, charm, and inner conflict.  This production encapsulates the depth and complexity of this Tennessee Williams’ classic script.

I saw last season’s Broadway production of The Glass Menagerie with Cherry Jones and Zachary Quinto.  It was breathtaking and mesmerizing.  It did, however, lack one important element, and that was the disdain that Tom feels towards his mother that drives him to desert Laura.  Richard Prioleau’s Tom, in Masterwork’s production, portrays that visceral element with clarity and verve.  Saundra Santiago’s Amanda has a mother’s determination and the Southern gift of gab that pushed every button in her son’s emotional armor.  Together these two actors set the stage on fire. 

Saundra Santiago as Amanda, Doug Harris as Jim, Richard Prioleau as Tom
Photo courtesy of Masterworks Theater Company

Olivia Washington portrays Laura with the emotional disability that the character’s being "crippled" represents.  Doug Harris gives Jim, the Gentleman Caller, the conservative façade and shallow respect that lures Laura out in the open.  Together they are magic.

The scenic design, by Campbell Baird, is simple and effective.  Lighting design, by Joyce Liao, and original music and sound design, by Brett Macias, satiates a very small stage with larger than life moments.

Saundra Santiago as Amanda & Richard Prioleau as Tom
Photo courtesy of Masterworks Theater Company

Masterworks Theater Company is dedicated to producing “great plays and musicals that every young person should have an opportunity to see.”  Their intention is to “present these high quality productions at reasonable prices for schools, colleges, and families.”  With this show as an example of what is to come, I have very high expectations and look forward to their upcoming A Midsummer Night’s Dream in June.

The Glass Menagerie plays Off Broadway at the 47^th Street Theater through May 30.  Go see it and experience the true essence of Tennessee Williams.  

Domenick Danza