Event Article

A different kind of Southern hospitality is coming to the Brownyn Dodson Theatre from November 11-21, when the Fullerton College Theatre Department presents "A Streetcar Named Desire."

The classic Tennessee Williams play, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1948, deals with an idealistic Southern Belle who comes to New Orleans· to live with her· sister and brutal brother-in-law.

Director Martie Ramm said that the realism and use of language in "Streetcar" makes this play . a classic of American literature.

"When people come to see this production," Ramm said, ·"I think they're going to come in thinking it's about one thing, and finding out that it's totally about something completely different."

"It's a very sexual play, a very sensual play. It's a very violent play. It's very interesting, especially the use of language. It's 'G' rated, but it's really for mature audiences " Ramm said.

The cast of "A Streetcar Named Desire" is made up of many new faces to the Theatre Department.

Some of the actors aren't even theatre students. The result is a high-caliber cast of leads and understudies,· according to the director.

"I really went to great lengths to get the right people, the right actors for the right roles,"

Ramm said.

Agostino Bommarito, who plays the volatile brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski, is one of the . newcomers to the FC stage. He said the experience was "emotionally draining," but that he is impressed with the way the production is coming together.

"I've been given a great cast to work with," Bommarito said. 'I think that the ·chemistry between all of us has just made the show really, really good."

Kalinda Younger Gray plays the tragic heroine Blanche DuBois. She said that the tone of the play is the reason for its staying power.

"It's an interesting show for college students," Gray said. "The play was written in 1947 so 50 some-odd years later, it's just a shocking thing to see."

The internal conflicts of the characters is another. important aspect of the story.

Timorah Brown, who plays Blanche's sister/Stanley's wife Stella, notes the torment within her character.

"She's very attached to both her husband and her sister "Brown said. "But she' has to make a decision in the end."

Though the play is about a week away from opening, Ramm said that high-school classes and others are already buying up blocks of seats.

It is a testament to "A Streetcar Named Desire" as a true American classic of the theatre.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the theatre box office at (714) 992-7433. Student admission is $12.50 and general admission is $15.< This play is for mature audiences only.