Newman University is kicking off its 2017-2018 theater season with the four-person play “The Glass Menagerie.”
“The Glass Menagerie” will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 15. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and military, and $5 for non-Newman students. Admission is free for all Newman students. All shows are in the Jabara Black Box Theatre, inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus.
Written by Tennessee Williams, “The Glass Menagerie” is a memory-based play, told from the perspective of character Tom Wingfield. The play follows the three members of the Wingfield family — restless young adult Tom, his physically disabled and probably mentally ill younger sister Laura and their fading Southern-belle mother Amanda — and their conflicted hopes for the visit of a “gentleman caller” named Jim.
“Tennessee Williams has such rich characters and language,” Director of Theatre Mark Mannette said. “(We have) many opportunities to make discoveries, and I’m very excited with the cast I have. They’re already working really hard to bring the play to life.”
The production features senior Trevor Farney, sophomore Lucas Farney and freshmen Rebekah Lipinski and Rooslana Rusk.
“I enjoy the play because it is one of the greatest plays written by one of the greatest playwrights to ever live,” said Trevor Farney. “Tack on an incredible cast, and I truly believe we have something special brewing in Jabara.”
Lipinski says her experience with the show so far has been incredible.
“Mark Mannette is an amazing director,” she said. “He’s very passionate about what he’s doing and is always willing to listen to our input and thoughts for a scene. The cast is small, which is a new thing for me, but it’s been so great getting to know everyone. Working on the show has been a blast.”
Despite this production being more demanding of the director’s, actors’ and actresses’ time than most shows, Mannette said he is very encouraged with the abilities of the cast members.
“They’re up for the challenge, and I’m very excited to be working with all of them,” he said.
Show times:
- 8 p.m. Oct. 12-14
- 2 p.m. Oct. 15
Admission price at the door:
- $10 – Adults
- $8 – Seniors and military
- $5 – Newman University faculty and staff
- $5 – Students
- Free – Newman University students
