2008 Woodie Awards
Glass Menagerie Review: Great
By: Thomas Bumpers
Issue date: 5/14/08 Section: Entertainment
Recalling the past through the memories of a drifter is almost surreal. This past Thursday, the California State University, Stanislaus theatre department unveiled their final production for the semester, Tennesse William's 'The Glass Menagerie' which is directed by Drew Sutherland.
Unlike a majority of other plays held, this one only incorporates the talents of four thespians, the lead Tom being played by Josh Bailey, his mother - Amanda and sister - Laura portrayed by Traci L. Sprague and Mia Carrick respectively and the final space taken with the character of Jim enacted by Dan Mauterer.
The play follows the recollection of Tom (Bailey) as he works inside a warehouse to support his mother (Sprauge) and sister (Carrick) and the budding desires and dreams he has but puts on hold. This act only serves to make Tom more and more frustrated, straining the relations between himself and his mother. In additon to Tom's situation, the story also includes the lengths at which his mother Amanda goes to try to help his shy sister, Laura, further better herself with a mixed results, one of which stems from the introduction of an old acquaintance of the two siblings, Jim (Mauterer).
The acting itself was one where if you would want a more amusing showcase this wouldn't be the show for you. Although there are some parts which are funny, such as Sprauge's character recalling her multiple suitors who for the most part met an untimely end, but the rest of the time is seriousness in the face of a variety of curveballs life throws in one's way. Sometimes it seemed as some people forgot their lines and stumbled a bit it giving the impression of being rough. But the play itself was okay and future shows should be more polished than on opening night.
You can catch the play later on this week as it finishes up its run May 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. inside the Mainstage Theatre.
Unlike a majority of other plays held, this one only incorporates the talents of four thespians, the lead Tom being played by Josh Bailey, his mother - Amanda and sister - Laura portrayed by Traci L. Sprague and Mia Carrick respectively and the final space taken with the character of Jim enacted by Dan Mauterer.
The play follows the recollection of Tom (Bailey) as he works inside a warehouse to support his mother (Sprauge) and sister (Carrick) and the budding desires and dreams he has but puts on hold. This act only serves to make Tom more and more frustrated, straining the relations between himself and his mother. In additon to Tom's situation, the story also includes the lengths at which his mother Amanda goes to try to help his shy sister, Laura, further better herself with a mixed results, one of which stems from the introduction of an old acquaintance of the two siblings, Jim (Mauterer).
The acting itself was one where if you would want a more amusing showcase this wouldn't be the show for you. Although there are some parts which are funny, such as Sprauge's character recalling her multiple suitors who for the most part met an untimely end, but the rest of the time is seriousness in the face of a variety of curveballs life throws in one's way. Sometimes it seemed as some people forgot their lines and stumbled a bit it giving the impression of being rough. But the play itself was okay and future shows should be more polished than on opening night.
You can catch the play later on this week as it finishes up its run May 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. inside the Mainstage Theatre.
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