LCLT to present “A Streetcar Named Desire” this weekend

Published 10:31 am Friday, November 8, 2013

The second show of the Lake Charles Little Theater’s 87th season, Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” will be onstage Nov. 9-24. Tickets are on sale now.

“It’s the best American drama ever written,” said James Johnson, director of the production. “It’s about the sensitive being torn apart by the brutal, which can be applied to any other levels within life. This show is mainly about the brutal character of Stanley versus the ethereal, delicate character of Blanche.

“Basically, Blanche has come to visit her sister, Stella, and she’s the meddling in-law, and Stella’s husband (Stanley) really resents her presence. It all boils down with Stanley’s malicious assault on Blanche.”

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Johnson is no stranger to “Streetcar,” with this being his third time directing it. He is also a veteran director with LCLT, with over 50 productions under his belt.

“It is daunting, with it being the best American play ever written” Johnson said. “And when you go with a reputation like that, you have to be sure you don’t mess up something that supreme.”

Jo Ann Hanks will take on the role of Blanche DuBois. This is her first time performing a Tennessee Williams play.

“I’ve been in quite a few shows, and by far this is the most difficult character,” she said.

“It’s the most awesome thing I’ve ever done. It is the most challenging (role) and the most rewarding, and I just hope that I can portray that.”

Dan Sadler will play Stanley.

“I’ve never watched the movie,” he said. As well as originating the role on Broadway, Marlon Brando portrayed the character in the 1951 film adaptation, alongside Vivien Leigh, as Blanche.

“I thought to myself, ‘I am actually going to play Stanley in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and the cast is so good.’ It’s probably the most favorite thing I’ve ever done,” Sadler said.

Online: www.thelclt.com.””

Blanche (Jo Ann Hanks) and Stella (Stacy Solak) share a moment together in Lake Charles Little Theater’s production of Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire.