A TOUCH OF “GLASS”

The Infinity Repertory Company presents Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,” at the new Main Street Arts Theatre in Bedford Hills Jan. 28-31.

Williams drew on events in his own life for this “memory play” – one of the most poetic and poignant in the author’s canon – about a faded but still steely Southern belle, living in genteel poverty,  determined to marry off the daughter who’s as fragile as the glass pieces she collects. The hybrid student-professional production plays with the ephemeral and refining qualities of memory by using projections, pantomime, live music and a minimal Expressionist set.  Guest director Joanne Hudson is at the helm of the production, which stars Gina Jarrin as the ambitious Amanda Wingfield and  Nathan Wright as her son, Tom – Williams himself – who yearns to break away from his shabby, troubled family to become a writer but cannot free himself of their memory. Student actors Lillianna Levonick is the delicate Laura and Jack Wedge The Gentleman Caller.  

Joanne Hudson, Director

Director Hudson is also a playwright whose work includes “Minotaur,” with Robert Vaughn, directed by Seth Barrish, Columbia Stages; “Unbidden,” for Iceland Fulbright; “Pop Art” at HERE Arts Center; and “Birdland” at the New York International Fringe Festival.  She has directed many of her own plays as well as the plays of others, most recently, Strindberg’s “Miss Julie” for the Salty Women Festival.  She is a Fulbright Scholar in creative writing and holds a master of fine arts degree in playwriting from Columbia University School of the Arts, where she was the recipient of the Brander Matthews Theatre Scholarship.  Hudson is also the author of many screen scripts for television and film.

MSACT’s mission is to nurture and develop the intellectual, artistic and personal development of children and youth through drama education, performing opportunities and live theater experiences.  The theater is led by executive director John Burton and by artistic director Paul Perez. For more than 20 years, he has spearheaded the Infinity Repertory Company , made up of teens who have completed the conservatory study program at MSACT.  This acclaimed group is run by the students with adult supervision. 

Performance by MSACT

 “The Glass Menagerie” will be performed 8 p.m. Jan. 28 and 29 and 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at MSACT 238 Route 117 in Bedford Hills.   Tickets are $12, and can be purchased by calling  864-1880 or by logging on to mainstreetact.org. For more information on MSACT,  you can also visit infinityreptheatre.com.