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Spotlight’s ‘Streetcar’ stresses characters
ON STAGE
What: “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Where: YSU Spotlight Theatre
When: Today at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 7 and 8 and at 3 p.m. Sunday in YSU’s Spotlight Arena.
Reservations: 330-941-3105
by lorraine wardle
youngstown
Taking on one of the most well-known and celebrated plays in American history must be a daunting task. Everyone knows — or thinks they know — “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Tennessee Williams’ play made infamous by Marlon Brando’s cries of “Stella!” So how does a theater company create their own “Streetcar” without simply copying the movie?
With a dedication to realism and an in-depth study of the characters, as in the latest production at the Youngstown State University Theater.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” opened to a full house Thursday night in the Spotlight Theater at YSU. New YSU theater faculty member Matthew Mazuroski directed the production. Mazuroski and his cast rose to the occasion with a stark and beautiful production focusing on the characters as real people, not icons.
Stepping into the role of Blanche is Kelly Sullivan, an actress with obvious experience. Sullivan’s Blanche was complex and full of contradiction.
At times, she was so meek and afraid that she appeared to be folding into herself. At others, she was self-centered and demanding. As Blanche’s psyche deteriorated, Sullivan’s performance was beautiful and heart-wrenching.
In stark contrast to the fragile Blanche is Stanley, played by Anthony Genovese. It would be impossible not to evoke Brando in this iconic role — really, how many ways can a person yell one word? Yet Genovese made the character his own.
Genovese moved with a swagger that never seemed cocky, but showed Stanley’s comfort with himself. His perfect delivery filled every line with self-confidence and a healthy sense of humor.
Struggling to keep the peace between her sister and her husband is Stella, played by Kayla Boye. Stella is the “rock” in both relationships, remaining calm and steady while the others overreact. Because of this, she is often overlooked. But Boye filled Stella with life. At first, she seems to be a sweet and simple young girl. But Boye shows Stella’s maturity and increasing distress as she is torn between the two people she loves the most.
The supporting cast added more depth and realism to the play. Cheney Morgan’s Mitch was sweet and gentle, treating Blanche with respect and reverence. His transformation, when faced with the truth of Blanche’s past, was a stark contrast to his usual personality. Neighbor Eunice could have been a one-dimensional comic relief, but Rebecca Anderson played her with humanity that made her real.
Todd Dicken’s set was beautifully bleak, exposing the reality of life in the French Quarter. Jane Shanabarger’s costumes were perfect and Zach Cummins’ music choices helped establish the time period and set the mood for the play.