The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company is preparing its upcoming Tennessee Williams show, “The Glass Menagerie.” The play, which takes place in St. Louis during the 1930s, follows the Wingfield family, a family struggling to navigate through their problems. It opens on Feb. 7.
Joe Bailey, director of “The Glass Menagerie,” provided insight into the story of the play.
“The story centers on Tom Wingfield, his mother Amanda, and his sister Laura,” Bailey said. “They live in a small apartment in St. Louis, and Amanda is determined to create a better future for her children, especially Laura, who has a physical disability that affects her ability to engage with the world around her.”
When it first premiered in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” made a profound impact, launching Williams’ career as one of the most significant American playwrights. Bailey reflected on the groundbreaking debut of the play.
“It caused a sensation at the time,” Bailey said. “Williams’ blend of personal angst and complex family dynamics was revolutionary, and it immediately resonated with audiences, establishing Williams as a force in American theater.”
The experience of this play is a new one for Bailey.
“This is my first time with any Tennessee Williams play,” Bailey said. “I’ve never been in one nor have I directed one. It’s been a real treat to work on this play, which is so beautifully written, and to watch the cast put their stamps on these roles and to continually watch them grow at every rehearsal.”
Bailey also shared his experience working with the students at the University of Detroit Mercy.
“The UDM team has been exceptional,” he said. “Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and collaborative. The cast is a dream to work with. With only four actors in the production, I have the pleasure of working with three UDM students and one guest artist, a UDM alum. Our stage manager, Sarah Drum, is a true asset, she keeps everything running like a well-oiled machine.”
The cast of “The Glass Menagerie” has been working hard on building their characters during rehearsal and collaborating with one another to prepare for a great production.
“I am playing Laura, who is the oldest daughter in the Wingfield family,” said Katherine Mutschler, a senior at the University of Detroit Mercy. “She’s one of two siblings. Laura is really shy and that’s where a lot of the conflict comes from. She is so shy that she can’t get a job or an education. The plot essentially revolves around her mother trying to set her up with a man so that hopefully she has someone to provide for her when she herself can’t.”
She’s joined by other students from Detroit Mercy.
“I play Jim, an acquaintance of The Wingfield Family,” said Ladonte Hartfield, a freshman. “His role plays into the second act, where his behavior towards certain family members ends up affecting the Wingfield family dynamic.”
Another student also described his role.
“I play Tom Wingfield. Tom is a very conflicted man who struggles with doing what is best for him or his family,” said Josiah Martelle, a senior “He wants to follow his dreams but feels stuck taking care of his family.”
Mutschler shared what you may anticipate before viewing “The Glass Menagerie.”
“Will Laura be able to break out of her shell and get the life that she dreams of and deserves, or will she sink back into her shyness?” she said. “You have to go watch it to find out!”
Bailey is hopeful for opening night as he speaks on the cast and crew’s hard work.
“Everyone is doing such an amazing job with the design elements and the actors are giving it their all,” Bailey said. “I’m very excited to start putting all the pieces together and sharing our work with audiences.”
He also speaks on how this is a special opportunity for locals to see “The Glass Menagerie” live.
“I hope the audience will appreciate the opportunity of seeing this play that doesn’t get produced all that much locally,” Bailey said.
The Glass Menagerie will be shown in February at The Marlene Boll Theatre, located in Detroit. More information about the dates and times on the University of Detroit Mercy website, located on the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company page.