Timeless play ‘The Glass Menagerie' shines a light on today's fears and loneliness

Miami Herald

23-07-2025

In his final monologue, Tom Wingfield, a character in Tennessee Williams' classic 'The Glass Menagerie,' observes '... nowadays the world is filled with lightning.'
Director Phillip M Church said Wingfield is not alluding to the weather, but rather the appearance of bombs exploding over Europe and the fear of America's entry into WWII.
'Fast forward 80 years to 2025 and once again we see Williams' words reflected in our own times,' Church said.
'For me personally, and the overriding purpose of 'The Glass Menagerie,' is the fact that a play written 80 years ago represents a microcosmic metaphor for national, and by extension global, politics.
'The play also relates to the terrible blight of loneliness that has captivated so many individuals, not only in our own communities and nation but across the world. Loneliness and the relentless search for companionship and connection was Tennessee Williams' constant struggle,' Church said.
'How sad that 80 years later in 2025 many people living beneath one roof can be riddled with a feeling of abject estrangement.'
Community theater group What if Works will present 'The Glass Menagerie,' Aug. 8-10, at two locations — the Westchester Cultural Arts Center through the Roxy Theatre Group, and the Seminole Theatre in Homestead through the Homestead Center for the Arts.
'What if Works sets out to challenge Williams' assertion that dreams are only illusions to be extinguished in order to endure the realities of the world. Bringing together a visual and literary tour-de-force, in an evening of thrilling and provocative theatre, a quartet of professional theatre educators will take to the stage,' Church said.
They include Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt as Amanda Wingfield, Juan Carlos Gutierrez as Tom Wingfield, Megan Zorrilla as Laura Wingfield and Charles Sothers as The Gentleman Caller.
Williams' play is regarded as one of America's great works, and for good reason, Church said.
'His play has taken on allegorical dimensions of a family, his own in autobiographical detail, divided with itself reflected in a larger family, the nation, at war with itself.
'Laura's glass menagerie is symbolic of mankind, and, like her glass animals, we are fragile and in desperate need of care and attention. Sadly, Williams' play will continue to prompt each generation through the ages with its reminder of how easily trust and love can be betrayed and broken.'
The production will incorporate images and illusions across three accompanying projection screens to complement Williams' earliest attempts at merging cinematic reality with stage illusion.
' 'The Glass Menagerie' is a powerful, socio-polemical production that speaks to the heart of our own times,' Church said. 'Williams himself will be challenged as What if Works questions the rationale behind Tom's instruction to his sister at the end of the play to 'Blow out your candles, Laura.'
'This line has grown as ubiquitous to theatergoers as those of a young upstart over 400 years ago who left us with the line, 'To be or not to be.'
'Williams reminds us of our fragility, and that, just like Laura's glass animals, we can be shattered by actions and words that we exchange to one another. Yet, is blowing out the candle of hope and imagination a solution to dealing with the harsh realities of the world around us? What if Works begs to differ,' Church said.
In the spirit of Tennessee Williams' own personal craving for freedom and discovery, partial proceeds from 'The Glass Menagerie' will benefit the Florida International University Ignite 'Accessing the World' Scholarship fund. The fund gives students with disabilities the opportunities to study abroad.
Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for veterans, students and seniors. Theatre League of South Florida members are admitted free. For tickets, schedule and venue information go to www.whatifworks.com
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THOSE IN NEED
For 15 years, Style Saves has offered support for South Florida families in need of essential school supplies. The financial strain of back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming for many.
The Miami-based nonprofit's annual back-to-school event, along with year-round programs, helps to uplift youth and give students confidence and dignity as they prepare for a new school year.
Through a department store-style shopping format, attendees can select new uniforms, sneakers, school supplies and accessories, all at no cost. And beyond providing the necessities, Style Saves creates a fun atmosphere with activities, and food and beverages, that turns a stressful time into a memorable one.
'Celebrating 15 years of Style Saves is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to supporting South Florida's students,' said Style Saves President Rachael Russell Saiger.
The Back-To-School event extends its impact to many beneficiaries, including children in migrant camps, homeless shelters, foster care, and various organizations across South Florida. In addition to shopping, families will enjoy Sprinkle City-themed activities.
Style Saves has also expanded its reach over the years through mentorship and enrichment initiatives that offer guidance, life-skills support and memorable experiences like prom events, holiday givebacks and educational outings.
'We are deeply grateful to the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Convention Center for their continued partnership in making this milestone event possible,' said Style Saves Vice President Isabela Rangel Grutman.
'As we mark this 15th anniversary, we remain dedicated to expanding our reach and bringing this critical support to even more communities in need.'
Style Saves will hold its event Aug. 9-10 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Families in need can get tickets at www.tixr.com/groups/stylesaves. Volunteers are needed for set-up the day before and on event days. To sign up, visit www.stylesaves.org or email [e-mail]
Write to [e-mail] with news for this column.