Boxcar Ends Season with Tennessee Williams in Rep, 8/28

This summer is going to be busy with Boxcar's biggest project to date: Three sizzling Tennessee Williams plays running in repertory. Sound insane for a black box theatre? That's exactly why Boxcar's Artistic Directors thought to do it. With three rolling openings one week after another, the ensemble will then go into a traditional nightly rep schedule with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Directed by Jeffrey Hoffman), A Streetcar Named Desire (Directed by Rebecca Longworth) and The Glass Menagerie (Directed by Jessica Holt). The Tenn Will Project, as it is being referred to as by the artistic team, caps off a very ambitious 13-play season by Boxcar, and defines their season of "Re-Imagining the Familiar."

"We chose Williams' three biggest plays because of all the baggage that comes along with them," says Artistic Director, Nick A. Olivero, "Everybody knows Marlon Brando's ‘Stella!' We want to challenge our audience, as well as ourselves, to see how we can break out of that iconic mold." On board to rethink these American masterpieces are three talented and original thinking directors: Jeffrey Hoffman, Rebecca Longworth, and Jessica Holt who bring unique perspectives and innovative concepts to the table reshaping these familiar plays while remaining true to Williams' intent. "It's more than putting Streetcar on the moon, we are going to have to get down on our hands and knees to figure out what's new, yet still remains honest to the play," adds Olivero, "It's going to be a tough job for these directors."

"The concept behind the Tenn Will Project is to highlight what we mean by being a "Directors' Theatre," remarks Artistic Director Peter Matthews, "We wanted to create a structured limitation for the directors: that they all have to work with the same actors and designers. Now we can really see what they are made of." Working in rep presents a challenge in Boxcar's intimate 49-seat black box theatre. Designers and directors are collaborating to fit together a perfectly planned jigsaw puzzle in the theatre. Stephanie Buchner, who is designing lights, and Matt McAdon, the scenic designer, have their hands full not only navigating a tight space, but also adjusting seating and light plots for three different seating layouts. All three productions adhere to Boxcar's self-challenge to present a different experience for the audience for every show. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will be presented in the round, while A Streetcar Name Desire will be in a three-quarter thrust, and The Glass Menagerie will be in a traverse setting. To make things more challenging for the crew, Boxcar has slated two-show Sundays with two different plays being performed. Veteran Bay Area sound designer Ted Crimy (who recently designed sound for Marin Theatre's production of Streetcar in 2008) is excited to bring a new twist to his work and tackle the project again from another angle. As the costume designer, Olivia Griffin has the daunting task of creating 44 different looks between 14 different actors. A master hat craftsman and storeowner (hatworksbypaul.com), Griffin was excited to create original handmade hats for the three productions in addition to building numerous looks for the actors by hand.

Although productions and performances stand alone, Boxcar is promoting their Tenn Will Rep Passes (for only $40) as a way for audiences to watch all three shows affordably. Performances can be taken in all at once or over the 5 week run at the patrons' leisure. Tickets may be purchased online at www.boxcartheatre.org or by calling 415.776.1747.

If three plays in rep was not enough, Michael Moerman, Boxcar's Literary Manager and Resident Dramaturg, will also be producing a two night reading series Monday August 16th and Monday August 23rd to accompany the Tenn Will Rep experience. The reading series will feature 10 of Williams' lesser-produced work directed by six different directors. Those plays and one acts are: Auto da Fe, This Property is Condemned, Long Goodbye, At Liberty, Moony's Kid Don't Cry, Green Eyes, Chalky White Substance, I Rise in Flames Cried the Phoenix, Adam & Eve on the Ferry, Talk to Me About the Rain. The Staged Reading Series is free to the public.

Tenn Will Rep Passes are $40. Early Bird Single Tickets are $14 on sale now until July 23rd. After June 1st Single tickets are priced progressively: $10 previews (July 23, 25, 30; August 1, 6, 8); $15 first week (July 26 - August 15); $20 second week (August 18 - 22) and $25 closing weekend (August 25 - 28). Performances are Wednesday - Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm & 7pm with all shows running in rep. For a detailed schedule we encourage patrons to visit our helpful website.

Tennessee Williams' A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Directed by Jeffrey Hoffman
July 23 - August 28, 2010
Opening night: July 26, 2010

Clawing hopes for the future and haunting sins of the past spar with one another at a Pollitt Family birthday party. Swarming around Brick, the beloved alcoholic son, are his conniving siblings and estranged wife, Maggie, all hoping to get a piece of Big Daddy's fortune. Love, fortitude, and passion can set things right by evening's end, but only if everyone agrees to believe their own lies.

Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire
Directed by Rebecca Longworth
July 30 - August 28, 2010
Opening night: August 2, 2010

Fading Southern Belle debutante Blanche du Bois arrives at her sister's dingy French Quarter apartment, becoming entangled in an explosive sultry world she is unaccustomed to. Set on a collision course, her brutish animalistic brother-in-law, Stanley, captivates and ultimately destroys the fragile woman. Using a bare-bones staging, live music, and ensemble-based theatricality, the denizens of Stella and Stanley's New Orleans help to relate the tragic tale of a lost soul.

Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie
Directed by Jessica Holt
August 6 - August 28, 2010
Opening night: August 9, 2010

Lost hopes and memories of despair are all that remain for Tom who is trapped in a mundane warehouse job. Cajoled by his overbearing mother to find a suitor for his crippled sister, Tom brings a gentleman caller home for dinner. Inflated dreams are quickly dashed as the evening crumbles under the pressure of the moment.