A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:25am

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Review

Many wants and needs are fulfilled in Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” playing at the now table-less Studio 54; but, there is also much this production leaves to be desired. Edward Hill’s direction fills the appropriately dressed, yet noisy theatre (the gosh darn blue line rumbles louder than ever during the first non musical in the space since 1940) quite nicely. Although the character studies by the shows leading lady must have fallen by the wayside. Despite a gorgeous set design, a production beautifully suited and staged, and an ensemble of actors who have done their Tennessee Williams’ homework; the plays tone suffers somewhat because of too many missed moments by Natasha Richardson as central figure Blanche DuBois.

Richardson’s overwrought portrayal of fading southern bell is a caricature of everyone’s idea of Blanche instead of a character with fashioned ideals. Blanche DuBois is written as a delicate and yet neurotic woman on a self imposed journey for someplace in the restless post World War II era to make her own. Richardson tumbles on to stage so frantically apt on winning the audience hearts that her journey, especially at the plays open seems entirely too rushed (not to mention her flailing mannerisms.)

After being exiled from her home in Laurel, Mississippi for seducing a seventeen-year-old boy at the school where she taught English, Blanche explains her unexpected appearance on Stanley and Stella's (Blanche's sister) doorstep as nervous exhaustion. As Stella, Amy Ryan brings a warmth of human nature to the torn role. It is John C. Reilly as Stanley here that is the revelation. As Blanche explains how she lost the family plantation, Reilly’s disbelieving Stanley proves not only a bestial creature, but one strong of mind as well. Reilly goes from protective kitten to beastly monster as he realizes why Blanche has left Mississippi.

Stanley tells Blanche he doesn't like to be swindled and demands to see the bill of sale, as Stella sits idol in protection of her sister. While Stanley and Stella’s love runs deeper than Blanche’s imposing ways, the animalistic Stanley begins to be unleashed. It is here where both Richardson and Reilly do their best work. As Blanche nearly becomes taken with another young lover, (the youthfully exquisite Will Toale) she stops and finds herself taken with the more suitable Mitch (Chris Bauer) - a card-playing buddy of Stanley's. The problem is Richardson and Toale’s chemistry is so electric, the audience almost wishes she’d seduce the younger man yet again. But alas, it is Mitch that Blanche is drawn; and he in return. That is until rumors of Blanche's past in Laurel begin to unravel and her conditions become excruciatingly unberable. Richardson unravels far nicer than she frantically builds, but by this point it’s too late.

With a better leading lady this production would have sent stealth waves through the theatre circuit, with Richardson at the helm, it only sends minor ripples. Robert Brill is to be commended for making the Studio 54 stage so time period-esque, much more-so than the Williams’ current revival of “The Glass Menagerie.” In fact the entire production, even with Richardson’s choices, is leaps and bounds better than the ill-fated Menagerie. Unfortunately the stage that Brill built will not be as kind to Richardson the second time around. Her Tony winning performance of Sally in “Cabaret” seven years ago will have to suffice for now, for this year the Sister accepting the statue will be of a holier, but more doubtful demeanor.

Updated On: 4/10/05 at 12:25 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:30am

I agree with your comments about the production, but I absolutely LOVED Natasha Richardson. I thought she was sensational and I wanted to throw roses down to her at curtain call.

Nice review though - I like you'r oh-so minute hint about Cherry Jones You would rule Jessica Lange, Kathleen Turner, and Mary Louise-Parker out already? I'm not totally disagreeing, I'm just asking.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:40am

Thanks Munk, maybe it was me having a very type specific actress in mind for Blanche - who knows, I just never warmed to Richarson.

But yes, I think we can rule out Lange for sure (beginning to wonder if she'll even be noded) and while Parker & Linney were good over at the Biltmore, I think the nominees will be:

CHERRY JONES
KATHLEEN TURNER
NATASHA RICHARDSON
LESLIE UGGAMS
PHYLICA RASHAD

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:43am

You seriously think Uggams will get a nod over Parker (who got rave reviews) and Linney? What about Rashad? Not enough voters even saw GEM.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:47am

No tables?!

*sobs quietly in corner*

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:48am

I think Turner will win

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:48am

It's for the better, dear....I know it's hard...

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:48am

Reckless & Sight Unseen, while both nice productions were ENTIRELY too long ago to be remembered. And while yes, GEM is now departed as well, Tony Voters see the production soon after it is opened and throghout the remainder of the performance. Rashad, last years winner, wont repeat, but yes, she certainly will be remembered. And yes, I do believe Uggams will get a nod. While she does have vaulnerability to Parker, Linney, & Lange - she won praise by most critics.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:50am

Yes, seriously - it is for the MUCH better. This production works SOOO well with the regular seating rather than the tables. The worked wonders during CABARET and even suited ASSASINS somewhat, but I think it was painfully obvious during PACIFIC OVERATURES that the tables were hindering and not helping and needed to go!
Updated On: 4/10/05 at 12:50 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:52am

I know, I know. I saw Pacific Overtures and it just didn't work. *sniffle* I think I need a hug. I like those tables... even if the seats were really uncomforatble.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 12:55am

No worries - the seats are still very uncomfortable.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 9:02am

I disagree with much of your review, but very well-written!

[broadway86]

Posted: 4/10/05 at 7:38pm

I'm with MEF.

[MATheaterLover]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 9:05am

I saw the opposite in this production at this past Saturday's matinee - Natasha Richardson (still obviously getting comfortable in the role) is the true bright shining star, and John C. Reilly never matches up.

I understand the choice to downplay Stanley's brutish, mysoginist reputation, but Reilly seemed so bumbling in the first half of the play that none of that raw sexuality seemed to make sense late in the second act.

Richardson's final act was astonishing - this performance really makes her "a part of the family" - I actually saw her mother so much in the performance, although it was totally her own. The lowdown voice she used to mock the men of Louisiana, the desperation as she tried to find a way out of the apartment at the very end, the look on her face as she delivered her final monologue at the edge of the stage. God, the woman is breath-takingly beautiful and heart-achingly powerful on stage.

(One more note - the setting and lighting were BEAUTIFUL, just exquisite. And I loved the scene changes - the "Negro Woman" - what a voice! the energy of Louisiana was all there)


I had the pleasure of attending a seminar at which Ms. Richardson, Mr. Reilly, and Chris Bauer (a very well-performed, if somewhat hammed-up Mitch) spoke about Tennesse Williams, and I think they have wonderful regard for the material. I hope to come back in May after the production has officially opened to see where they go with it; I think they've got plenty of room and I think they're willing to go the distance.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 9:16am

Yes, I certainly dont think this is a bad production, many many likeable qualities.....Richardson just didn't have the chops to come close to the depth the role requires in my eyes.

[thepinterpause]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 12:16pm

Here's what I wrote in my blog about Streetcar:

"On Sunday, I tiptoed over to Studio 54 to see what's going on there these days. It turns out that Natasha Richardson--- having, with Cabaret, gotten her Sally Bowles on the select list of Studio regulars--- is now back as the decidedly more troubled Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire. Her voice soft and creamy, her accent dead-on, her body poised to crumble on cue, Richardson will, barring an earthquake, capture the Best Actress Tony this year, and deservedly so. She is not exactly matched by her Stanley, John C. Reilly. Having made a career in the movies out of slovenly failure at life, his persona as a pathetic everyman so engrained that the audience did not recognize him upon his entrance, Reilly lacks the magnetism and sinister appeal that made Marlon Brando so indelible in the original. The star of this Streetcar, really, is its director, Edward Hall, who has accomplished such fine delicacy in the staging and design that I'd sit through just about anything he chooses next."

Hard Rain Falling: A Movie and Theater Log Updated On: 4/11/05 at 12:16 PM

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 12:17pm

Tony nom for Reilly!:) (Sorry, sometimes I just exult.)

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 12:22pm

I agree with MUNK...the majority of the TONY voting goes on a few months before the award show as most of the voters live out of town. While some may have seen GEM, it is not enough to ensure a nomination, much less a win. And they do not keep returning to see it over and over during the run. I highly doubt Rashad will get a nom.

[thepinterpause]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 12:30pm

I am nearly positive Rashad will get a nom. If she doesn't, I will eat my shoe.

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 1:30pm

It's Edward HALL by the way...

[thepinterpause]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 2:58pm

Who said it was otherwise?

[thepinterpause]

Posted: 4/11/05 at 2:59pm

Oh, the original post-er. Never mind.