by Pamela Herrington
Daily Lobo
Tennessee Williams' masterpiece "A Streetcar Named Desire," performed by the FUSION Theatre Company at the Cell Theatre, brings the audience into a world of desperate people who are ultimately torn to pieces by their desires.
The Cell Theatre's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" is directed by Susan Finque, a Seattle actor, director and educator best known for her multi-disciplinary performances and multi-cultural ensembles.
Additional direction was provided by Fred Franklin, a member of FUSION's board of directors, who lives in Fredricksburg, Va. and came to Albuquerque to work on the production. FUSION Theatre Company began producing plays in February 2002.
Arron Shiver, who plays Stanley Kowalski, memorized his part in just two days when he was called upon to replace the play's original lead performer. Although Shiver stumbled over a few lines on opening night, he quickly recovered and kept up the momentum of the play.
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Laurie Thomas plays the role of Blanche and Jacqueline Reid is Stella. The emotional energy between these three performers is one of the strong points of the show.
The cast also includes Vernon Poitras, Vic Browder, Angela Littleton, Teddy Eggleston, John Hardman, Wayne Rowe, Nick Robbins and Florence Tonissi.
In an e-mail interview, Dennis Gromelski, the proprietor of the Cell Theatre and a founding member of FUSION said that "the strength of our production of 'Streetcar' lies in not only the quality of the production, but of the intimacy and, in essence, lack of the fourth wall."
The dimensions of the Cell Theatre place the audience close to the stage, which at first seems awkward, but ultimately results in an experience that is uniquely intimate. Gromelski pointed out that "Streetcar" is usually only shown in larger venues.
"FUSION is a professional theater company for the community and not just community theater," Gromelski said. "We want folks who have never been through the doors before to come to a show."
Those goals are reflected strongly in this performance of "Streetcar." This production includes talented local actors paired with professional direction. The set, designed by Michael Carpenter, is both beautiful and detailed. The performance also features subtle sounds of New Orleans, chosen by sound designer Brent Stevens.
"We are always after the best talent in town and our cast/design/technical staff always reflects this," Gromelski said.
The Cell Theatre is a work-study qualified employer for UNM.
The play runs through Aug. 10 with Thursday through Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $22. Student and Senior tickets are $17.
There is also a student rush program on Thursday nights at a special price of $10 for students of all ages with a valid ID and a $15 actor rush program for actors with a resume.
The Cell is located at 700 1st St. NW south of Lomas Boulevard and west of Broadway Boulevard. For reservations or more information call 766-9412.
