Tennessee Williams to be saluted at Grand Theatre

Tennessee Williams, best known for his dramatic works, including "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "The Glass Menagerie," was born 100 years ago this March. This celebrated American playwright received many of the top theatrical awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony award for best play, and Presidential Medal of Honor.

It will be performed through Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees Jan. 22 and 29 at Salt Lake Community College's Grand Theatre.

Several events have been planned at Salt Lake Community College to celebrate Williams' legacy. "The Glass Menagerie," starring well-known local actress, Jayne Luke as Amanda Bingfield, stars this in production. This true classic, directed by Mark Fossen, in which the truth is presented in the pleasant disguise of an illusion, features a plot that deals with failure, family, fathers, broken promises, and tough decisions people must make. Other actors include John Graham (Tom), Lauren Noll (Laura) and Matt Whittaker (The Gentleman Caller).

Additional activities include a special guest lecture with Margaret Bradham Thornton, author of "Tennessee Williams Notebooks" on Jan. 27, and a talk back with the actors and directors following the matinee on Jan. 29, and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" at the Grand Theatre Black Box April 6-25.

The Grand Theatre is at 1575 South State Street on Salt Lake Community College's South City Campus. Tickets start at $8 for "The Glass Menagerie" and are available online at www.the-grand.org or by calling the box office at 801-957-3322.