Balance in the Asylum

 Balance in the Asylum
The Reiter Group
The Tank
April 14, 2025 

Photo courtesy of The Reiter Group

Blanche in the Asylum is a haunting exploration of the years Blanche DuBois spent in a mental institution after the conclusion of A Streetcar Named Desire.  Playwright Tim McNeil does a deep dive into this classic Tennessee Williams character.  The detail in the writing is striking.  The portrayal is stunning.  The turn in the action is riveting.

Blanche (played by Tim McNeil) has been in the asylum for thirty-five years.  She writes poetry and dwells on the fact that she is no longer “sexed.”  She openly talks about having at one time been a nymphomaniac, but that is all in the past.  The voice of Stanley, however, echoes in her head as if it is in the present.  “We’ve had this date with each other from the beginning.”  Blanche revisits her discussion with her late husband, Allan.  She shares what she witnessed when she walked in on him, and openly speaks of his homosexuality.  Blanche is waiting for her sister, Stella, to arrive for her weekly visit.  Instead, she is visited by Dr. Joy (played by Kelly O’Malley), who is there for their daily check-in.  Balance is given her medication, and is forced to swallow a difficult truth. 

Playwright/Actor Tim McNeil as Blanche
Photo courtesy of The Reiter Group

Tim McNeil delivers a riveting portrayal of Blanche in her later years.  He utilizes impeccable timing to creates several intense moments, allowing humor to flavor the effect of his storytelling.  His Blanche is powerless in her present environment, yet empathetic in her inner world.  This brings a level of authenticity to the interpretation, as it is beautifully reflection of the Blanche we know from A Streetcar Named Desire.

Kelly O’Malley starkly introduces reality to Blanche’s world as Dr. Joy.  The lighting shifts, the mood changes, and the entire story transforms.  It is a brilliant surprise, bringing the play to a mesmerizing conclusion. 

Blanche in the Asylum played at the Tank for only one weekend.  It closed on April 14.  Keep an eye out for its return.  Hopefully, it will be back.  If you are a Tennessee Williams fan, you will find it intriguing. 

Domenick Danza