Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s first ever production of this classic American play runs September 11-28 outdoors in the Audrey Stanley Grove.
If you’ve had the pleasure to attend any of the three Santa Cruz Shakespeare productions this summer, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and As You Like It, or Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, then you already know that every production of Santa Cruz Shakespeare is wildly creative, riveting, and well, refreshingly unpredictable. These are the hallmarks of incredible world-class live theatre. And it’s found right here in Santa Cruz!
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s expanded 2024 season continues into September –a first-ever for the repertory company – with Tennessee Williams’ American masterpiece, The Glass Menagerie. Considered one of the greatest American playwrights ever, Tennessee Williams, and The Glass Menagerie, will make its first appearance at this year’s Festival.
“I picked the play both because it’s an American masterpiece that beautifully fits this year’s theme of “Generations” and also because we’ve never done Tennessee Williams before,” said Charles Pasternak, artistic director, Santa Cruz Shakespeare. “Mike Ryan, my predecessor as SCS artistic director, said one of his only regrets during his time as artistic director, was that he didn’t program Williams, who is his partner Don’s favorite playwright. I’m proud to resolve that omission as swiftly as I have – this year’s production is dedicated to the two of them,” Pasternak continued.
Williams’ The Glass Menagerie is considered to be an autobiographical “memory” play. The main character, Tom, young Tennessee Williams, struggles in his claustrophobic home life, caught between his controlling mother and his damaged sister. He loves them but is conflicted. His internal struggle is actually not that he wants to leave, but that he wants to stay. But if he does, can he ever become the writer and the man he aspires to be?
“Audiences can expect a moving, sentimental, nostalgic, poetic family drama; stunning September nights in the Grove that will leave visceral and moving memories,” Pasternak, who also directs, and acts, in The Glass Menagerie, continued.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s cast includes Marion Adler (Amanda), Will Block (Tom), Charles Pasternak (Jim) and Allie Pratt (Laura). The production team includes Marcella Barbeau (Lighting Design), B. Modern (Costume Design), Michael Schweikardt (Scenic Design) and Luke Shepherd (Sound Design and Composition).
Come an hour early and enjoy a picnic before the show in our picnic area with views of Monterey Bay; bring food and beverages to your seat, or leave it to us, and grab a beer, wine, snacks, charcuterie boxes, and more at The Grove, thanks to a partnership with Coffee 9.
While you may not be able to predict what you will see on stage from Santa Cruz Shakespeare, we’re certain you can expect a night to remember!
The Glass Menagerie runs through September 28, 2024 with opening night on September 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $70 and are available at www.santacruzshakespeare.org or through the seasonal Box Office, 831-460-6399, open Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m.
See you in The Grove!
