By By Carolyn Fuchek Abdella/Special to The Star
March 2, 2002
The Meridian Little Theatre proves, once again, that they are not limited to any one genre.
First we had a heartwarming season-opener production "Annie." Next we had the fun and zany comedy, of "The Nuncrackers." Now we have "A Streetcar Named Desire," an emotional and serious drama set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the late 1940s.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, the MLT did a fantastic job in bringing the story of the emotionally fragile Blanche DuBois to our stage.
Under the direction of Jimmy Pigford, the presentation of "Streetcar" was well-received by the audience at the first nighter's performance Thursday.
The leading lady was Lisa Carruth, who did a tremendous job in her portrayal of the emotionally tormented Blanche DuBois of Laurel. It is a difficult role because of the many lines of flowery language and charged-up neurotic emotion.
Lisa deserves a standing ovation. Her on stage performance with her cruel antagonist, Stanley Kowalski, played by Chuck Gordon, was full of all the nervous tension, anger and anxiety that their relationship engenders.
Gordon, a newcomer to the MLT stage, was fabulous in his role as the gruff, impatient, and intolerant Stanley, brother-in-law to Blanche and husband to Stella (played by Stacy Pollock).
His hatred and disgust for Blanche becomes clear to the audience throughout the performance. This also is a difficult role because of all the intense anger and physical aggressiveness in Stanley's character.
Gordon did an excellent job. With the throwing of plates and his physical and verbal attacks on Blanche, I sure wouldn't want to be on his bad side.
Stella Kowalski, the sweet and caring younger sister of Blanche, was played by the talented Pollock, who has appeared in several MLT productions, including "Camelot," "Carousel," "Wizard of Oz" and "Cabaret."
In the role of Stella, Pollock gave a fine portrayal of this sensitive and sympathetic, yet strong, young woman. Verbally and sometimes physically abused by Stanley, Stella manages to keep herself together while, at the same time, cope with her older sister's troubles.
She, in essence, becomes caught between Stanley and Blanche.
Another newcomer to the MLT stage was Brad Hampton. Hampton, who played the role of Mitch, a friend of Stanley's who later becomes Blanche's love interest, was very convincing and confident in his part.
A sweet, sensitive, and lonely guy, Mitch falls for Blanche, as does she for him. It is only later when he finds out the truth about Blanche's seedy past (through a thorough investigation by Stanley) that he becomes disgusted with her and ends their relationship.
This becomes Blanche's breaking point.
What is the story of Blanche's seedy past? What happens to her after Mitch ends their love affair? This, I'm afraid, you'll have to find out by seeing this performance for yourself (I can't give everything away).
Other cast members include: Derek Pouncey as Steve (a friend of Stanley's); Melissa Tidwell as Eunice and Jake Mardis as Paul (the upstairs neighbors); Elizabeth Thomas as Pauline and the Mexican woman; Liz Coats as the nurse; Jack Hall as the doctor; and Robert Northcutt as the sailor.
Scene changes were somewhat slow, but "Streetcar" is one MLT performance that should not be missed. If you did not get to the theatre Thursday, you can still catch a performance today, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information, call the MLT office at 482-6371.
Special acknowledgments go to Carolyn Abdella of Abdella's Antique &Art Gallery; Bryce Speed of The Curious Cat (a division of Abdella's); Billy Campbell of Mont Clair Antiques (a division of Abdella's); Wrangler Furniture Co. for the bed and stools; Susan Speed for the dining room table, antique chair, foot stools and all that she does for MLT; Lee and Karen Meyer for the steamer trunk; Monica Graham of Panache Ladies Shoes for the flowers in the Green Room and foyer; Little Acre Home &Patio Furnishing for the banana plant; and, again, to Bryce Speed for painting the set.