By Louie Crowder

The Glass Menagerie
Produced by To Do Productions
Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny St., 218-8559 or 948-9608
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors
Performances are Thursday – Saturday March 19 – 28, 8pm 
You can order advance tickets online at
www.todomarigny.eventbrite.com
*March 18 is Preview Night, with a wine and cheese after-party; tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors.

The Great Depression and Guernica make up the social and historical backgrounds of the play.  Hunger, desperation, and angst are the things that fill place and time, saturating the Wingfields’ little tenement apartment in St. Louis.  Yet the expression of their lives is manifested with poetry. …
I asked Glenn and the others why do this play, or better yet, why should anyone come see it?  It’s classic American theatre and that doesn’t seem to happen too often locally.
“It’s beautiful.”  “It’s Tennessee Williams’ breakthrough success…”  There were several responses, but I think the most interesting wasn’t said:  we are in a recession on the brink of financial/economic devastation as wars continue to rage in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We struggle to hold on to things like hope and belonging – to not fall into the spiraling traps in anomie.  I don’t think it’s inaccurate to say Williams gives a voice to such things.  And isn’t finding a kind of exorcism in a relatable piece of poetic theatre enough reason to support the play?
Being a bohemian himself, being no stranger to poverty, it’s fitting for Mr. Williams’ work to be staged at The Marigny.  It’s the kind of house and talent pool that should be doing his theatre.  Well, that being said, Glenn Meche’s poetic eye, and fluent, organic style of direction gives us a fresh production of Tennessee Williams’ career-launching breakthrough play, The Glass Menagerie.  Do yourself a favor and see it. 
It’s important to support this venue (and like venues).  The Marigny Theatre is a stage that deserves to survive this brutal economy.  This community-driven theatre gives space and opportunity for both artistic growth and experimentation as well as quality productions of both new and tried plays.  If there are safety concerns with going to see a play on this side of town, the guidelines are very simple:  be smart and aware, like anywhere else.  Carpool, park on the street (the lot isn’t lit well), walk in groups.  Don’t let perceived ideas of the area stop you from patronizing the Marigny/Bywater area theatres or music venues. 
The cast is as follows:  Lyla Hay Owen (Amanda), Keith Launey (Tom), Liz Mills (Laura), and Leon Contavesprie (Gentleman Caller).
This is an incredible opportunity to see a gifted, passionate cast of actors in a classic American play.

Mar - Apr Listings

Anthony Bean Community Theater
1333 S. Carrollton Ave.
862-7529
www.anthonybeantheater.com
The Member of the Wedding
Directed by Janet Spencer
March 6-29
An American classic by Carson McCullers

The Backyard Ballroom
3519 St. Claude Ave.
473-6819
Bourbon Street – A Family History
March curtain TBA.
An original burlesque soap opera; the serial began in January with new installments monthly.  Call for info!

Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Teatro Wego! Dinner Theatre
177 Sala Ave., Westwego
885-2000
www.jpas.org
Wild Mushrooms: A New Comedy
by Annie Pie
March 6-22
Performances are Friday and Saturday at
7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM
Tickets: $26 adults; $23 seniors and military; $19 students; $12 children
T.J. Castronovo directs a cast of local talent in this hilarious Mafia comedy

Le Chat Noir
715 St. Charles Ave.
518-5812
www.cabaretlechatnoir.com
Two Left Feet Productions presents:
Songs for a New World
March 20-29
Popular musical by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Frannie Rosenberg with Musical Direction by Natalie True

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
801 N. Rampart St
529-3000, 800-881-4459
www.neworleansopera.org
Carmen
March 20, 22
The New Orleans Opera Association presents Bizet’s tale of a gypsy and her men

Playmakers Theater
19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington
985-893-1671
www.playmakersinc.com
The Mousetrap
Directed by Kay Files
March 17-29
Agatha Christie murder mystery

Rivertown Repertory Theatre
325 Minor St. (Rivertown), Kenner
468-7221
www.rivertownkener.com/theatre
Wait Until Dark
Directed by Butch Caire
March 6-22
A Broadway hit mystery drama

Southern Repertory Theatre
Canal Place, 3rd Floor,
522-6545
www.southernrep.com
Sick
by Zayd Dohrn, directed by Aimée Hayes
March 11 – April 5
An uproarious look at a family of germ-o-phobes who have severe allergies to everything from Cheez-Whiz and cleaning supplies to city air.