Miriam's The Glass Menagerie Reflections — Page 2

well, yes and no. i don't need to debate the wonderful Ashley (if she can keep from coughing long enough) because everyone can make their own decision, including actors playing Tom. Have you heard her say that Williams told her of his intention for Tom? or seen it in print? If you were to play Tom, your own very appropriate experience could inform your choices, and you'd more than likely do a terrific job. My hope is that Williams would allow any actor the same latitude. i'm certainly willing to acknowledge that Ashley can play to Tom in that way; but i'd much rather hear an actor speak to his own intentions instead of rationalizing the author's.

And for the record, i saw the same production at The Alley that you did. i didn't see Ashley's wink. i never thought about Tom's sexuality. i thought the performance was great, and that Sela got the character across wonderfully. i've seen Sella play more overtly gay characters in workshops in NYC, and also play entirely straight characters. Our varying experiences as audience members gave us different readings of his performance, which is fine too.

And kindly don't try to trump my non-personal discussion of an interesting subject with our varying choices in the expression of our sexuality. i can see the temptation, but i'd appreciate sticking to the dramaturgy and not the personal politics.

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Also--the Sella/Ashley production at the Alley proves my point. The subtext WAS there by Sella and Ashley--in just the way it needed to be. Some audience saw it--others didn't. And, that's just fine.

"It's important to be clearly specific, not to be specifically clear."

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The sexuality of the character was not mentioned in the review?? Huh whuh huh? What does THAT have to do with anything? Sella played Tom as a gay man--whether or not you saw this. I am NOT the only person who saw this in Sella's performance. I actually worked at the theatre--or did you forget that? It is the subtext of the play--Williams put it there. It's there if you want it. Clearly, you do not. Fine. Play your Tom straight--and best to ya.

As for taking on a play--an actor's quest is to explore the script. It's like a mystery--the unlocking of the signposts that a playwright gives you. It is only after you have collected all of the givens that are asked of you by the playwright and the director, that you can fill in the rest with your own imagination and choices. An actor can only choose actions based on what is in the script--he must be true to the script. When, a director does not do this, we get into the realm of deconstructionism and "revisionist" takes on the classics. And that can be brilliant stuff--or it can simply not work. Name a "straight" Tom that has worked. It if did--bravo! But, again, I have never seen it work--and I have seen a few.

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sidenote: it's "the Alley" or "Alley Theatre" and never "The Alley" or "The Alley Theatre"

Everett Evans didn't mention Tom being gay--and that's an argument?? Especially when he is a crappy critic? oooook. How do YOU know that Sella played Tom as straight? (he didn't btw)

And, I will not take advice from you on not posting opinion as fact.

And, I am not going to take acting advice from you either. Of course, I know there are many paths. Every actor's Hamlet or Tom will be different because every actor is different and has different imaginations and choices---but ignoring what a writer gives you can be a wrong turn. So we disagree what Williams gives. Fine. We are going to have to agree to disagree as neither one of us is going to change his opinion.

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one more thing: i'm fine to "agree to disagree." But when you give specific examples, i will debate them. i'm not trying to change your opinion, but win some respect for mine.

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gosh, guess he didn't like my subtext. Maybe the reviewers will.

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Updated On: 3/28/05 at 07:15 PM

you'll send me a broken mirror with a copy of the Scottish play and a whistling delivery girl, i know you!

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A bit O -T: Tx - my drama class had a back-to-back with Menagerie and Southern Belle. It may sound arrogant, but it truly is hilarious having them back-to-back. I played Amanda in Southern Belle - TOO fun! And the kid who was Laurence, oy vey, was too perfect. Each play emphasized aspect each cast hadn't noticed. It was a wonderful night for both shows.

Being an HS student, I think the undertones are fairly subtle. My friend playing Tom didn't realize them until we read the parody. I think that should factor into the role, but shouild not be the domineering characteristic.

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Updated On: 3/28/05 at 07:57 PM

thanks for both those statements, JRB. And kudos to a high school program, CURTAIN UP, that would pair those and do the research to support them.

The other thing about "author's intentions"? notice sometime how when some good authors are asked what they might be for a specific piece (like a new play or a novel), they often will demur. Sometimes writing to "say something" or "get an audience feeling something" can be deadly. It's like waving a flag at a bull---think about what happens when the curtain speech for any show has someone telling you "this show is silly and fun and hilarious, you are going to be laughing all night" or "this show is so romantic and heartbreaking, get out your tissues." The natural tendency is to not find much in it funny (or moving), that's human pervisity. As a result, a lot of authors won't state an intention, because they hope the viewer/reader take away their own reading.

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I found Lucas to be very bland and subdued.