“Streetcar” Still Moves Me

“A Streetcar Named Desire” is a classic, brilliantly written play by Tennessee Williams in 1947. Its theme and lessons apply for all time. I recently saw the current version at the Broadhurst Theatre and felt great to see the characters come alive on stage. Directed by Emily Mann, and with Blair Underwood as a mesmerizing, modern Stanley Kowalski, the story resonated for me yet again. I have seen the movie with Marlon Brando as Stanley and Vivien Leigh as Blanche Du Bois but never the play. I was truly glad that I had the opportunity.

The entire cast was excellent with Nicole Ari Parker earning special kudos for bringing out the essential Blanche. Her humor with some terrific lines was well timed and brought laughs. It was the pathos that stood out, however. She rendered true emotions with the timeless caution by Williams that “deliberate cruelty is unforgivable.” The play’s conclusion yielded a hope that “the kindness of stranger’s could happen.”

Sentiment aside, the magnetism needed was there. The sexual and violent components were provided by Underwood, a true presence on stage. Daphne Rubin-Vega as Stella and Wood Harris capturing “Mitch” with his lean look also were excellent. Add Amelia Campbell, the daughter in law of the great Alan Arkin and I came away entirely pleased.