How to go
What: “Three by Tennessee”
Where: State Theatre, 19 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 and 3 p.m. Oct. 5
Cost: $10 at the door
More info: www.springfieldstageworks.org
Springfield StagesWorks is celebrating its 10th anniversary season by going for three.
“Three by Tennessee” features a trio of early one-act plays by celebrated American playwright Tennessee Williams at Springfield’s State Theatre, 19 S. Fountain Ave.
Performances will be 8 p.m. Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, and a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Oct. 5. Admission is $10 at the door.
Sarah Michelson, directing her first project for StageWorks, said these early Williams works have hints of memorable characters and themes to come in other Williams classics such as “The Glass Menagerie” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
“It’s very representative of his style,” she said. “Williams explores universal themes and has relatable characters.”
Michaels said the first play, “Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen” is dark and minimal. The second, “Portrait of a Madonna,” has a strong woman like Blanche Dubois (of “Streetcar”), and the third, “The Long Goodbye,” is about a struggling writer, like Williams was at the time.
Michaels said a common thread is all the characters live in major American cities, struggling in the urban environment, facing dark prospects but with great resolve while looking for greener pastures.
Michaels can relate as she moved here from New York. She said she loves the idea of a change and Springfield has a lot of arts opportunities for a city its size.
Seven actors will perform including Jimmy Straley, Krissy Hartman, Lorrie Sparrow, Joey Ahern, Haley Justice, Ed Knapp and Katie Blackburn. Some are veterans of previous shows and others newcomers.
A musician and vocalist will perform jazz music in between shows.
Springfield StageWorks will present Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliette” next spring.
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