Theatrical Review: A Streetcar Named Desire.

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Written by: Tennessee Williams
Directed by: Prof. Stephanie Daventry French
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Theatre Department in East Stroudsburg, PA presented the classic Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” which takes place in a steamy section of New Orleans in 1946. As those who come to experience precious ESU theatrical productions have come to expect, the scene design by Our Good Friend Prof. Q. Brian Sickels brought a dimension to the play creating an expectation of excellence to the audience before the first lines were uttered. This expectation did not lead to disappointment.

There has been much said as to what this classic to the “American Theatre” is about and the meanings it has for those who view it. In fact, many of the character in the work seem to have more issues than the New York Times. Some see it as a play about abuse while others see it as a play about alcoholism. I see the play to be about a woman’s continuing spiral into madness.

The woman in question is Blanche Dubois. She is excellently played by Angel Berlane. Ms. Berlane’s performance embodies the multitude of elements the character demands of an actress who desires to be faithful to the part. These elements include ingredients consisting of melodrama along with deceit, melancholy, and pathos. All of which could be part of a recipe book entitled, “Cooking with Bourbon.” Ms. Barlane’s talent is to find a balance between these ingredients as not to allow one to overshadow the others thus spoiling the stew while at the same time presenting a meal to be partaken by the audience which is, by its very nature, unbalanced. This is no small feat and a great deal of recognition for her accomplishment is well deserved.

The play itself evolves around Blanche’s visit to her sister Stella Kowalski who is played by Crystal Berlane. Casting these two sisters to play sisters provides the audience an opportunity to experience a sibling relationship which has developed naturally throughout lifetimes as compared to one artificially manufactured during the course of rehearsals. This adds a welcomed dimension to the production lending a degree of reality which may have otherwise been lacking. One got the sense Crystal and Angel Berlane utilized the understanding they have of one another to bring more life into their characters. Together, the two sisters work well as a team.

However, like all pairs of siblings, Ms. Crystal Berlane has considerable talents of her own. Her portrayal of Stella brought into reality of what a life as an abused woman who loves her abuser is to the audience. The seemingly peculiar balance of naivety and worldliness most women in these circumstances exhibits was well presented by Ms. Berlane thereby demonstrating how many who seem to be victims of circumstances are sometimes volunteers. It may be appropriate here to note the presence of The Women’s Resources of Monroe County 24 Hour Hotline number of 570-421-4200 placed in the program. It’s good to be reminded we no longer live a time where no one can end the abuse in their lives.

In previous reviews of ESU productions, I’ve mentioned the enjoyment one can have in watching a young actor or actress grow in their talent as they gain more experience in the theatrical arts. This joy was pleasantly experienced by D. E. Ausem’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski. A lesser actor could easily allow himself to be overshadowed to the point of imitation by the filmed performance that made Marlon Brando famous. However, Mr. Ausem’s talents brings a new life to the character leaving the image many people had of Brando’s portrayal in the far distant past. This is a new Kowalski with far more depth and understanding than Brando’s. At least it is according to this humble reviewer’s opinion.

A supporting character not well know by those who’ve heard of the play is that of Harold “Mitch” Mitchell as played by Jason Pallay. It’s unfortunate supporting characters don’t get the recognition they deserve as they are often essential to the play’s development and leads to a more enriched understanding of the other characters. “Mitch” is a simple man who is smitten by Blanche. Through his eyes we see the depth of Blanche’s insanity and her attempts to self medicate through bourbon and sexuality because she believes “Desire is the opposite of Death.”

Mr. Pallay’s portrayal of Harold “Mitch” Mitchell is done with the simplicity of a sponge absorbing all that is around him. This allows the audience to absorb the play through his innocence. Although there were times I was wondering when Mr. Pallay was going to tell Ms. Angel Berlane “life is like a box of Chocolates,” I felt his over all performance added something wonderful to the play and it wouldn’t have been as good without it. I look forward to seeing Mr. Pallay in future ESU productions.

The Production was well directed by Prof. Stephanie Daventry French who seem to have brought the talents of the cast to a deeper understanding of the play and themselves. Besides those already mentioned, other cast members and crew included Elanor Koening who portrayed Eunice Hubbell and served as a Prop Assistant, Michael Demyan who portrayed the Young Man and the Doctor, Our Good Friend Robin Kessler who portrayed the Musician and serves as Assistant Stage Manager and Sound Designer, Dave Morton who portrayed the Hot Tamale Man and served as the Assistant Director/Dramaturg, Alice M. Mol who portrayed a Neighbor and the Nurse, Our Good Friend Angelo Revilla III who portrayed Pabou Babin, Merrill McGuinness who portrayed a Neighbor and Flower Girl, Samantha Avola who portrayed a Saloon Girl and served as an Assistant Stage Manager, Raj Shankar who portrayed Steve Hubbell, Amanda Kalinowski who served as Stage Manager, Eric Creegan who serves as Lighting Designer, Jesse Berlane who served as Costume Designer, Patrick C. Dorian and Luis Lebron who served as Sound Consultants, Matthew Jacobsen who served as Master Carpenter, Jason Barry who served as Master Electrician, Jesse Jackson who served as Lighting Crew, Christopher Parlardy who served as Light Board Operator, Ryan Werkheiser who serves as Sound Board Operator, Stephanie Reyes who served as Wardrobe Mistress, Samantha Guy who served as Costume Assistant, Kendra Cruz who served as Prop Master, Melissa Rogers and Kaitlyn Howard who served as Pro Assistants, Janell Manzi who served as Prop Crew, Allison Getz who served as Make Up Designer, Kenny Garry and Ryan Groff who served as Running Crew, Rachel Mack and Meredith Lubin who served as Box office Managers, Heather Werline who served as House Manager, Krista Scott who served as Dialect Consultant, and Shaunenne Holt designed the Poster.

“A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams is currently being performed at The Fine Arts Building on the Campus of East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA. The Production runs until Sunday April 29th. Please call 570-422-3483 for information and ticket reservation.

Numerous photographs relating to the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Our Good Friends Gallery on The Forwardian Arts Society Blog at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.