Tension Boils Under Tennessee Williams' “Roof”

By: Apr. 17, 2017
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof pounces onto the Theatre Memphis Lohrey Stage April 28 through May 14, 2017. This Tennessee Williams' literary classic explores the family relationships of a wealthy Southern tycoon with recurring motifs of social mores, greed, mendacity, decay, sexual desire, repression and death. All are presented against the scene of a plantation home in the Mississippi Delta with bigger than life characters like Big Daddy and Maggie the Cat who rule the stage.

Director Anita "Jo" Lenhart approaches this family drama with a personal connection. Having memories of her own mother "padding around in her slip" and sharing the name Elizabeth with the movie star Maggie, Elizabeth Taylor, she was riveted with the idea as a child in the early 1960's of the thread that the Williams' work had in the fabric her life. "It is funny how one grows up with an awareness of an iconic dramatic piece and thinks one may know it," Lenhart states. "Heard about it, have seen the movie version, studied the play in drama school," she continues, "...but, until I experienced this piece of Williams' as a director I had no idea what it meant to grapple with the forces of Truth and Mendacity in Williams' crucible. Redemption comes out of our messiest moments. Death can bring out the worst and the best in families."

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch believes the rich heritage of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is part of the charm of the play. "So many patrons want to see 'what they know' and Theatre Memphis tries to schedule familiar works in support of that," Litch says. "What is exciting for Theatre Memphis is that we know we can bring this classic to life for everyone to enjoy and make it something that will be 'what they love' about theater. Artistic excellence on every level."

Tickets are $25 adults, $15 students, $20 seniors 62 and above and military personnel. Call 901.682.8323 or www.theatrememphis.org.



Videos