University Theatre will present its final performance of the season, “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams, from May 4 through 12 at the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts building at Fresno State. The production will be directed by Kathleen McKinley.
Set against the sultry and seductive backdrop of 1940s New Orleans and the famed French Quarter, “A Streetcar Named Desire” explores the unraveling world of Blanche DuBois. After having lost the family plantation, Blanche arrives unexpectedly at the home of her sister, Stella, and her unrefined husband, Stanley Kowalski. Clinging to the last vestiges of southern gentility and her own fragile sanity, Blanche hopes to find solace and refuge from the reality caused by her romantic illusions. But within the volatile Kowalski household, her nostalgia soon gives way to a more savage reality — one in which envy, passion and betrayal collide with devastating consequences.
Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ranks as one of the great masterpieces of 20th century theatre. The work had a significant cultural impact and was adapted for television, film, opera and ballet. Several critically acclaimed, award-winning actors have stepped into the shoes of Williams’ infamous characters including Marlon Brando, Jessica Lange, Alec Baldwin, Vivien Leigh, Diane Lane, John Goodman, Blythe Danner, John C. Riley and Jessica Tandy.
The University Theatre cast includes Sara Adam, Hunter Aro, Alyssa Benitez, Hannah Berry, Kat Campos, Lauren Folland, Jimmy Haynie, Nolan Henson, Quincy Maxwell, Reshma Meister, Sabrina Sierra, James F. Smith, Jalen Stewart and Andrew Trevino.
Due to adult language and situations, “A Streetcar Named Desire” is intended for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $17 for adults; $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni and military; and $10 for students. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each performance. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except for the Sunday, May 6 date, which begins at 2 p.m.
Parking is free for shows on Friday through Sunday night. For shows on Tuesday through Thursday night, parking permits are required and can be purchased at dispensers in parking lots on campus.
For more information, contact the box office at 559.278.2216 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.
