INTERVIEW: Exploring the gentleman caller in ‘Glass Menagerie’ at Barrington
Photo: Mark H. Dold and Tyler Lansing Weaks star in The Glass Menagerie at Barrington Stage Company. Photo courtesy of Daniel Rader / Provided by Matt Ross PR with permission.
The Glass Menagerie is a bonafide classic of the American theater. Tennessee Williams’ play has been revived countless times on Broadway, off-Broadway and regionally, and Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts is the latest to jump on the theatrical bandwagon with an all-new interpretation.
The classic show, directed by Julianne Boyd, runs through Oct. 21 on the Boyd-Quinson MainStage in Downtown Pittsfield. The production stars Caitlin O’Connell as the leading character, Amanda. Her son, Tom, is played by Mark H. Told, and her daughter, Laura, is played by Angela Janas. Playing the pivotal role of the gentleman caller, Jim, is Tyler Lansing Weaks.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Weaks about his character. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How familiar were you with this play before taking on the role?
I was pretty familiar with it. I had read the play and seen three or four productions. I had never worked on it, but I knew it as one of the great American plays (and it is).
What do you like most about Tennessee Williams and his writing?
Williams’ greatest asset is his poetic nuance. He has a style that naturally smuggles poetry into the sentences. I also appreciate his specificity. He knows his characters, he knows his settings, and he embodies the ideas he fights for. It is rare to see so little contrived in such a large body of work. It limited what Williams was able to tackle a bit compared to say, [Arthur] Miller, but it speaks to his sincerity, I think.
What is it like to work with director Julianne Boyd?
Working with Julianne is in a word: impressive. She does so much for Barrington Stage, wears so many hats, and works nonstop. It was inspiring to see all she manages to do. She also values the American classics, which I absolutely love.
There is a lot of mystery that surrounds the gentleman caller, and many different interpretations. How do you see the character?
I think the essence of Jim is that he cares, and he wants to make a difference and be involved in what is relevant. As such, when he sees a chance to help someone who is so willing to listen and try, he can’t help but get lost in the opportunity.
What’s on the horizon for you after this production?
I have a couple movie projects I am helping friends out with. I also write myself and am currently working to finish up both a play and screenplay I am working on.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams and directed by Julianne Boyd, continues through Oct. 21 at the Barrington Stage Company in Downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.
