Summer and Smoke 1948

Opened: October 6, 1948

Summer and Smoke - 1948 - Broadway History , Info & More

Music Box Theatre (Broadway)
239 West 45th St. New York, NY

One of Tennessee Williams’ most subtle and tender works, Summer and Smoke explores the conflict between the hedonistic body and the lofty spirit. Set in Mississippi, Alma Winemiller, the minister’s daughter, has grown up loving the boy who lives next door: John Buchanan, the doctor’s son, is a wild, adventurous, mischievous pleasure seeker. He spends the hot Mississippi summers drinking, gambling, and romancing. His only religion is the anatomy chart on his wall, and what it teaches him about man’s needs: food, truth, and lovemaking. Alma, on the other hand, is quiet, eccentric, and high-strung. Her name means “soul” in Spanish; she aspires to lofty spiritual goals, and holds to strong moral standards. Despite their differences, John and Alma are magnetically drawn to each other, and the spiritual and physical romance that almost blooms between the two of them is among the most engaging, romantic, and heartbreaking love stories in Williams’ canon.

Get Summer and Smoke Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Full Cast Set For THE HUMAN BODY at the Donmar Warehouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 11, 2024

 Donmar Warehouse Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch have announced the full cast for the world première of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Human Body.

Maggie Siff, Pico Alexander & More to Star in ORPHEUS DESCENDING at TFANA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 12, 2023

Theatre for a New Audience will present Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending, July 9–August 6 at Polonsky Shakespeare Center. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

BWW Previews: SUMMER AND SMOKE at Tennessee Williams Threatre Company
by Tara Bennett - Jul 25, 2022

One of Tennessee Williams’ most “devastating and glorious” dramas will pick up the second half of The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s sixth season with its production of SUMMER + SMOKE.

Alhambra Presents THE GLASS MENAGERIE
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2021

Since taking over the helm of the storied Alhambra Theatre & Dining, Managing Partner Craig Smith has wanted to produce a Tennessee Williams play, and on February 24, 2021 he will get his wish as the Alhambra opens his most famous one, The Glass Menagerie. 

Theater Stories: DEAR EVAN HANSEN, PIPPIN and More About The Music Box Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 10, 2021

This week's Theater Stories features the Music Box Theatre! Learn about the shows to have graced the theater's stage including August: Osage County, the lauded revival of Pippin, Dear Evan Hansen and much more!

BWW Exclusive: THE 101 GREATEST PROTEST SONGS OF ALL TIME - with Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Kendrick Lamar & More
by Peter Nason - Jun 18, 2020

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest protest songs from 1939-2020. See if your favorite songs or artists made the list!

BWW Review: SUMMER AND SMOKE Sizzles at The Classics Theatre Project
by Zac Thriffiley - Jun 4, 2019

Under the keen direction of Emily Scott Banks, this newest offering from TCTP endows the play with an air of intimacy that is both thrilling and heartbreaking.

The Classics Theatre Project Announces 2019 Season
by Stephi Wild - Nov 27, 2018

The Classics Theatre Project's Artistic Director Joey Folsom today announced the Company's 2019 3-play season of all-American classics. The season starts with Neil Simon's comedy "Rumors" (March 7 - 31, 2019), followed by Tennessee Williams's "Summer and Smoke" (May 29-June 23, 2019), and concluding with Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" (dates TBA).

BWW Review: SUMMER AND SMOKE, Duke Of York's Theatre
by Cindy Marcolina - Nov 21, 2018

Rebecca Frecknall's production of Summer and Smoke lands in the West End after a starry run at Almeida Theatre earlier this year. In its new incarnation, one of Tennessee Williams' undervalued pieces is turned into an aesthetic dream to inspire a broader reflection on how the 1948 play resonates 70 years later.

Review Roundup: THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Barrington Stage
by Alan Henry - Oct 10, 2018

BroadwayWorld has a first look at Barrington Stage Company's The Glass Menagerie, which is currently on stage through October 21 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage (30 Union Street). Check out photos of the cast in action below!

Photo Flash: Get A First Look At THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Barrington Stage
by Alan Henry - Oct 10, 2018

BroadwayWorld has a first look at Barrington Stage Company's The Glass Menagerie, which is currently on stage through October 21 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage (30 Union Street). Check out photos of the cast in action below!

VIDEO: Cast and Creative of Barrington Stage's THE GLASS MENAGERIE Talk Bringing The Show To The Berkshires
by Alan Henry - Oct 2, 2018

Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in the Berkshires under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, presents Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie. Previews for The Glass Menagerie begin October 3, with an official opening on October 7 and performances through October 21 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage (30 Union Street).

Barrington Stage Company Presents Tennessee Williams' THE GLASS MENAGERIE
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2018

Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in the Berkshires under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, presents Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie. Previews for The Glass Menagerie begin October 3, with an official opening on October 7 and performances through October 21 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage (30 Union Street).

Ovation Award-Winning Actors Co-op Theatre Company Opens Its 27th Season With Thriller ROPE
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2018

Actors Co-op Theatre Company (Ovation Award-Winner 2017 Best Play, Intimate Theatre for 33 Variations) presents the first show in its 27th Season with the thriller ROPE, written by Patrick Hamilton, directed by Ken Sawyer, produced by Kevin Shewey.  ROPE will preview on Thursday, September 20 at 8pm and will open Friday, September 21 at 8pm and run through Sunday, October 29 at the Actors Co-op Crossley Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St. 90028 (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood) in Hollywood.

Tennessee Williams' THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE Comes to The Bethany Mission Gallery at Philadelphia Fringe
by BWW News Desk - Sep 6, 2018

Tennessee Williams' rewrite of his earlier study of a claustrophobic small town and its gossipy residents, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale comes alive amid a renowned collection of outsider art at The Bethany Mission Gallery in Spring Garden, September 4 - 23, as part of the 2018 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Tennessee Williams' THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE Comes to The Bethany Mission Gallery at Philadelphia Fringe
by BWW News Desk - Sep 4, 2018

Tennessee Williams' rewrite of his earlier study of a claustrophobic small town and its gossipy residents, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale comes alive amid a renowned collection of outsider art at The Bethany Mission Gallery in Spring Garden, September 4 - 23, as part of the 2018 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Tennessee Williams' THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE Comes to The Bethany Mission Gallery at Philadelphia Fringe
by Stephi Wild - Aug 16, 2018

Tennessee Williams' rewrite of his earlier study of a claustrophobic small town and its gossipy residents, The Eccentricities of a Nightingale comes alive amid a renowned collection of outsider art at The Bethany Mission Gallery in Spring Garden, September 4 - 23, as part of the 2018 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Dana Delany, James Earl Jones and More Reunite for One-Night-Only Benefit Reading Of THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA
by Julie Musbach - Jun 4, 2018

The Acting Company announces the full cast of its one-night-only benefit reading of The Night of the Iguana, Tennessee Williams' feverishly poetic 1961 drama,at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues), on Monday, June 11.

What's New for Summer 2018 in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Maryland
by Marina Kennedy - Jun 4, 2018

There's a lot that's new in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland this summer! To make it easy for area residents and vacationers to be in the know, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) has compiled a sampling of some of the latest attractions and experiences that beckon travelers in the months ahead. For a complete listing, visit the VAAAC website.

Classic Stage Extends SUMMER AND SMOKE Through May 25
by Julie Musbach - May 4, 2018

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Doyle, and Transport Group, under the leadership of Jack Cummings III (Artistic Director), announced today that their new co-production of Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, directed by Cummings, will extend its run through Friday, May 25 at CSC (136 East 13th Street). The cast of SUMMER AND SMOKE features Glenna Brucken (Rosemary), Phillip Clark (Dr. Buchanan), Nathan Darrow (John Buchanan), Hannah Elless (Nellie Ewell), Elena Hurst (Rosa Gonzales), Marin Ireland (Alma Winemiller), Tina Johnson (Mrs. Bassett), Gerardo Rodriguez(Papa Gonzales), T. Ryder Smith (Reverend Winemiller), Ryan Spahn (Archie Kramer), Jonathan Spivey (Roger Doremus), and Barbara Walsh (Mrs. Winemiller).

Review Roundup: Classic Stage Company's SUMMER AND SMOKE
by Julie Musbach - May 4, 2018

Classic Stage Company presents a new production of Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, directed by Jack Cummings III, Artistic Director of The Transport Group, at CSC (136 East 13th Street) for a limited engagement through May 25. Opening night was Thursday, May 3. Let's see what the critics had to say...

BWW Review: Marin Ireland Delivers a Must-See Performance in Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE
by Michael Dale - May 6, 2018

Despite only three Broadway credits, Marin Ireland must be regarded as one of the absolute best actors to regularly grace New York stages during this century. Through her steady work Off-Broadway (15 productions since 2001 and playing leading roles for several of the city's major non-profits) local audiences have seen her portrayals grow from young women of the past sporting underestimated brilliance (SABINA, THE RUBY SUNRISE) to emotionally frazzled contemporary types (MAPLE & VINE, REASONS TO BE PRETTY) and struggling survivors (KILL FLOOR, IRONBOND).

James Earl Jones, Amanda Plummer, Dana Delany & More To Star In The Acting Company's Benefit Reading Of Tennessee Williams' THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA
by Julie Musbach - Apr 25, 2018

The Acting Company presents a one-night-only benefit reading of The Night of the Iguana, Tennessee Williams' feverishly poetic 1961 drama, at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues), on Monday, June 11. Directed by Michael Wilson, the acclaimed Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winner, the performance reunites much of the cast and creative team from last season's critically acclaimed production at the American Repertory Theatre. 

Photo Flash: Classic Stage Company Presents Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 20, 2018

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Doyle and Executive Producer Jeff Griffin, and Transport Group, under the leadership of Jack Cummings III (Artistic Director) and Lori Fineman (Executive Director), present a new production of Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, directed by Jack Cummings III, Artistic Director of The Transport Group, now in  previews at CSC (136 East 13th Street) for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 20.  Opening night is Thursday, May 3.  The cast of SUMMER AND SMOKE will feature Glenna Brucken (Rosemary), Phillip Clark (Dr. Buchanan), Nathan Darrow (John Buchanan),  Hannah Elless (Nellie Ewell), Elena Hurst (Rosa Gonzales), Marin Ireland (Alma Winemiller), Tina Johnson(Mrs. Bassett), Gerardo Rodriguez (Papa Gonzales), T. Ryder Smith (Reverend Winemiller), Ryan Spahn (Archie Kramer),Jonathan Spivey (Roger Doremus), and Barbara Walsh (Mrs. Winemiller).

Bookworks Announces April Highlights
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2018

Bookworks hosts many stellar events for reading fans in April, ranging from literary fiction, to mystery, to new nonfiction.

Summer and Smoke FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Summer and Smoke have there been?
Summer and Smoke has had 5 productions including Broadway which opened in 1948, Broadway which opened in 1996, Off-Broadway which opened in 2018, West End which opened in 2018 and which opened in 2018.
What Tony Awards has Summer and Smoke been nominated for?
Summer and Smoke has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design, with Jo Mielziner receiving the nomination.
What Tony Awards has Summer and Smoke won?
Summer and Smoke has won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for Jo Mielziner.
What awards has Summer and Smoke been nominated for?
Summer and Smoke has been nominated for the Performance category at the Theatre World Awards for Tod Andrews.
What awards has Summer and Smoke won?
Summer and Smoke has won the Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Tod Andrews.

Videos