Kind Stranger…a memory play at Theater for the New City

Based on Tennessee Williams’ MEMOIRS, Kind Stranger depicts the poignant journey of Tennessee Williams as the legendary playwright recounts his life, art, and love affairs. Witness his wit and unflinching honesty as he writes his last chapter, revealing how his plays were his life and his life was his plays. Adapted directly from his memoir and using only his words, Kind Stranger could be the last original Tennessee Williams play. Adapted for the stage and directed by Steven Simone-Friedland. Conceived and performed by Emmy® Award-winner Rick Simone-Friedland.

Steven and Rick Simone-Friedland, a gay married couple, say they both went into the project wanting to use the words and humor of one of the greatest American playwrights as the foundation of this play.

“Tennessee Williams’ memoir tells us exactly what his take was on his plays, his art and his life. You can’t do any better than that,” says director and playwright, Steven Simone-Friedland. “His unflinchingly honest reflections show an artist who questioned his craft, and I think that for any artist, that is a constant struggle. I find it strangely comforting to see someone as renowned as Mr. Williams struggle with those same uncertainties.”

“I just wanted to find a way to play Blanche DuBois,” adds performer Rick Simone-Friedland.

The runtime is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.