Summer and Smoke 1952

Opened: April 24, 1952

Summer and Smoke - 1952 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Circle in the Square
5 Sheridan Square New York, NY 10014

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.

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Rubicon Theatre Company to Present THE PLATTERS: MANY VOICES ONE NAME This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 19, 2023


Rubicon Theatre, Ventura County's leading not-for-profit theatrical organization committed to entertaining, engaging and enriching the community through live performance, will present the grand finale of the company's Summer Concert Series with the iconic vocal group, “THE PLATTERS: MANY VOICES ONE NAME,” performing live on August 25, 26, and 27.

BWW Exclusive: The 101 GREATEST PLAYS of the Past 100 Years (1920-2020)
by Peter Nason - Apr 7, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the greatest theatrical works (non-musical) from 1920-2020; see if your favorites made the list!

Gingold Theatrical Group Continues Project Shaw with THE PLAY'S THE THING
by Julie Musbach - Oct 21, 2019


Gingold Theatrical Group continues the 14th Season of Project Shaw, Art as Activism: A Theatrical Survival Guide, a special series of evenings of plays that embrace human rights and free speech. All of GTG's programming, inspired by the works of George Bernard Shaw, are designed to provoke peaceful discussion and activism.

RCM Opera Studio Presents Bernstein/Berkeley Double Bill
by Stephi Wild - May 8, 2019


The Royal College of Music Opera Studio is taking audiences back to the booming fifties this summer with an evening of sparkling musical satire, led by esteemed theatre director Stephen Unwin. The cast presents a double bill of 20th century opera and a rare chance to hear Bernstein's sardonic Trouble in Tahiti, paired with Berkeley's delightful comedy of manners, A Dinner Engagement.

Flat Rock Playhouse Announces 2019 Season; SOUTH PACIFIC, THE JUNGLE BOOK, and More
by Julie Musbach - Jan 16, 2019


Single tickets are now available for the Flat Rock Playhouse 2019 Season of live theatre celebrating love, family and adventure. Known locally as Little Broadway in the Mountains, the Playhouse has showcased professional performances since 1952 with unparalleled quality. This season is no exception, as 61 equity actors and 16 equity-bound apprentices, as well as a host of union designers and technicians, gather at the Rock to delight audiences and continue the tradition of Broadway-quality theater.

Underscore Theatre Announces 2018-19 Season; Full Line-Up For Chicago Musical Theatre Festival
by Julie Musbach - Sep 14, 2018


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BWW Review: Marin Ireland Delivers a Must-See Performance in Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE
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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).

Emily Blunt, Sandra Bullock, Dave Chappelle, and More Among Latest Batch of OSCARS Presenters
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Producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd today announced additional presenters for the 90th Oscars® telecast. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, “The Oscars” will air live Sunday, March 4, on The ABC Television Network.

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by BWW News Desk - Oct 14, 2016


For the first time in its history, EVITA, this revolutionary Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical is being produced by Cabrillo Music Theatre. 

Cassandra Murphy to Lead EVITA at Cabrillo Music Theatre This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Aug 24, 2016


For the first time in its history, EVITA, this revolutionary Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical is being produced by Cabrillo Music Theatre. 

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I cannot think of a better way to spend a hot summer night than to watch a sizzling stage production of a Tennessee Williams film. Baby Doll, when it first arrived in 1956, was condemned by the Catholic Church for indecency, and because of its lewd poster-sized ad depicting Carroll Baker lying in a crib, sucking her thumb, was one of the most controversial films across America. Now, almost 70 years later, the West Coast premiere stage adaptation by Pierre Laville and Emily Mann of Williams' Baby Doll is a practically flawless production at the Fountain Theatre, directed with stunning clarity by Simon Levy...and boasting an unforgettably ingenious cast of five.

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by Tyler Peterson - Apr 6, 2016


Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening of Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street on Friday, April 22 with a preview on Thursday, April 21. The production runs through May 15, 2016. Set in Mississippi at the dawn of the 20th century, the story centers on a young woman's sexual awareness as it evolves from chaste modesty to desire. First staged on Broadway in 1948, the show was not well received. A 1952 revival at Circle in the Square Theatre featuring a legendary performance by Geraldine Page received rave reviews and was credited with beginning the Off-Broadway movement. Stu Falconer, one of six New York actors to form Barksdale Theatre (now Virginia Rep) in 1953, left his job as the stage manager of that Circle in the Square production to move to Virginia.

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by BWW News Desk - Jun 25, 2014


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by Nicole Rosky - Jul 13, 2012


As a special homage to Theodore Mann, Circle in the Square's co-founder, artistic director, and co-producer who passed away on February 24th of this year, Circle in the Square Theatre School is inviting the theater-going public, the theater community and those who worked with him to share their remembrances of Mann and the over 175 productions that he with Jose Quintero, and later with Paul Libin brought to the stage.

Circle in the Square Theatre Holds Theodore Mann Memorial Tribute Today, 5/1
by BWW News Desk - May 1, 2012


A Memorial Tribute honoring Theodore Mann, Circle in the Square's Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Co-Producer, who passed away on February 24 at the age of 87, will be held at Circle in the Square Theatre, 1633 Broadway, at 50th Street, today, May 1, at 1 p.m. Seating is open to the general public on a first come, first-served basis.

Theodore Mann Memorial Tribute Set for May 1 at Circle in the Square Theatre
by James T Harding - Apr 24, 2012


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Broadway Lights to Dim Tonight for Theodore Mann
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 24, 2012


The Broadway community mourns the loss of Theodore Mann, who passed away today. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory tonight, February 24th, at exactly 8:00 p.m. for one minute.

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by BWW News Desk - Nov 1, 2011


Cover charges vary by performer. Most shows range from $15 to $35, with some exceptions. Each show's cover charge is listed in the show information on the calendar page. Feel free to call the Metropolitan Room with any questions regarding cover charges.

November at Met Room Brings Yvonne Constant, Annie Ross To The Stage
by Gabrielle Sierra - Oct 17, 2011


Cover charges vary by performer. Most shows range from $15 to $35, with some exceptions. Each show's cover charge is listed in the show information on the calendar page. Feel free to call the Metropolitan Room with any questions regarding cover charges.

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Circle in the Square Plaque Honors Eugene O'Neill
by Kelsey Denette - Jun 27, 2011


Theodore Mann and Paul Libin, on behalf of Circle in the Square Theatre, paid tribute to playwright Eugene O'Neill on Saturday with a special plaque placed on the former site of the Golden Swan (also known as the Hell Hole), one of O'Neill's inspirations for Harry Hope's saloon in 'The Iceman Cometh.'

Aurora Theatre Company Honors Tennessee Williams With THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE, Closes 5/8
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2011


THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE closes May 8 at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley. For tickets ($10-55) and information the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.

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