Lincoln College showcases 1-act plays by Tennessee Williams

[April 15, 2009]  Drama and desire are hallmarks of the stories told by Tennessee Williams. This spring the Lincoln College Theatre Department will delve into those themes with a performance of "One Room, Four Stories: An Evening of One Act Plays by Tennessee Williams." The drama features "The Lady of Larkspur Lotion," "Portrait of Madonna," "Hello From Bertha" and "Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen." "One Room, Four Stories" opens April 23 in the Johnston Center for Performing Arts.

"One Room, Four Stories" begins with "The Lady of Larkspur Lotion," which is set in a rooming house in New Orleans in the '40s. The story consists of an aging lady of the night who lives with a young writer. As the woman drifts from her imaginary fantasy world, she is faced with the reality of her ruthless landlady. "Portrait of Madonna" is the story of an unmarried Southern woman who has ended up alone in an unkempt apartment located in a Northern location, far from her genteel upbringing in the South. It notably features what seems to be an early version of "Streetcar's" Blanche DuBois, one of the most famous characters in American theater. "Hello From Bertha" presents the dramatic life and death of a prostitute in a low-class bordello. It is very strong and very poetic as the character Bertha imagines events and illusions to her last moments. "Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen" shows off the grace and elegance of Tennessee Williams' writing. The story shows two lovers discussing desperation and decay and their desire for more.

"One Room, Four Stories" is being directed by Lincoln College instructor Martin Holden.

Lincoln College students performing in "The Lady of Larkspur Lotion" are Marjorie White of Lincoln playing Mrs. Hardwicke-Moore, Leatrice McKay of Chicago as Mrs. Wire and Sean Daly of Herscher in the role of the Writer.

Performing in "Portrait of Madonna" are Morgan Walton-McNeal of Calumet City as Miss Collins, C.J. Garman of St. Louis, Mo., as the Porter, Joshua Dobkins of Hoopeston playing the role of the Elevator Boy, Tim Bell of Park Forest in the role of Dr. White, Rachel Walter of Calumet City as Nurse Tyler and Cameron Curtis of Verona, Wis., playing Mr. Abrams.

Performing in "Hello From Bertha" are Kassy Lane of Kankakee playing the role of Goldie, Tinesheia Howard of Chicago playing the role of Bertha and Hilary Schneider of Antioch playing role of Lena.

Performing in "Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen" are Brianna Trimble of Danville in the woman's role and Zach Williams of Danvers in the man's role.

Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. April 23, 24 and April 25, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. April 26. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for children and senior citizens. Reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve tickets, call 217-732-3155, ext. 280, Monday through Friday, and leave your ticket request.

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]