The Columbus Arts Council and Tennessee Williams Tribute are once again working together to bring one of Williams’ plays to the stage. But first, they need a cast.
The tribute has put out an open casting call for anyone 18 or older at 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Omnova Theatre, above the Rosenzweig Arts Center. The show features a four-person all-female cast.
This year, the groups are staging one of the playwright’s lesser-known works, “A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur.”
“My goal is to bring recognition to the man who we know as the greatest American playwright who was born in our little town of Columbus,” Show director Melanie Tubbs wrote in an email to The Dispatch. “To let others know that the situations in life may change but the themes are the same… love and loss, searching and belonging.”
“A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur” is a one-act play with two scenes, which was written by Willams in 1976.
The story is set in an apartment building, focusing on two roommates: German-American woman Bodey Bodenhafer and young high school teacher Dorothea Gallaway. Dorothea hopes for a proposal from her school’s principal, T. Ralph Ellis, after she was seduced by him, while Bodey attempts to set Dorothea up with her twin brother, Buddy.
Two other tenants, Sophie Gluck and Helena, also appear to add comedy throughout the show.
Tubbs said she is excited to direct an all-female cast for the first time, and to see the bonds that form among the four cast members. She also said she is excited to bring one of Williams’ lesser-known plays to life, bringing something “new” to the community.
Tubbs described the show as an “everyday experience of four women trying to find their way in life.”
“Like with many (Tennessee) Williams plays, there doesn’t seem to be a nice bow that ties it up at the end,” Tubbs said. “This to me, creates an even more artistic draw because the audience is allowed to draw their own meaning from the work. Come with curiosity and awe at the work of an author that can write characters so beautifully that you feel like you know them when you walk away.”
Tubbs said the auditions do not require previous acting experience, and those that are interested only need to bring themselves and be prepared to read dialogue with another actress. Also, “having your calendar handy” is helpful, to ensure there are no conflicts with show dates.
Still, Tubbs said, the show will require a “good bit of memorization” and commitment with such a small cast.
Tennessee Williams Tribute board member Marthalie Porter told The Dispatch the tribute, which was originally started in 2001 by Brenda Caradine, is now going on its 22nd show. The show will have four performances from Sept. 12-15, including a Sunday matinee show.
This year’s tribute will also include readings from the top three plays entered into the Mississippi University for Women’s annual 10:TENN playwriting competition on Sept. 13, along with a pre-play cocktail hour and a reading of poems written by and inspired by Tennessee Williams on Sept. 14.
Columbus Arts Council Executive Director Salem Gibson said the Tennessee Williams Tribute show helps to keep the playwright’s work relevant for new generations, while also bringing attention to art forms that can otherwise “get lost” behind fine arts. The show is a significant way to highlight both writing and theater.
“He was a very prolific writer and very talented, and it’s very easy to just kind of throw that over our shoulder and forget about it,” Gibson said.
“I think making sure that he’s highlighted and respected in the way that he deserves is something that we can do and something that we should do.”
For casting roles, schedules and additional information, go to columbusartscouncil.com/crevecoure.
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