Shasta College theater chair Robert Soffian defaults toward edgy new material. But just when you think you’ve got him pegged, he takes a swan dive into a classic.
Under Soffian’s direction, Shasta College opens Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (March 19) at the Shasta College Theatre. There will also be 7:30 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday (March 20-21) and March 25-28. There will also be a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee performance on March 22.
I dropped in on a rehearsal that stretched past 11 p.m. on Monday and was certainly impressed with David Fraser’s multi-level set and Chris Yost’s costumes.
Later, Soffian chatted about how it’s possible set “Streetcar” in a modern times, but why?
“We thought about doing it after (hurricane) Katrina, but that’s a lot of work,” he said. “Plus, I like the era,” of the 1940s French Quarter of New Orleans.
The show features the powerhouse roles of Blanche Dubois (DeAnne Jones-Foley) and Stanley Kowalski (Daniel Hiscocks). Jones-Foley has periodically done plays with Soffian for the past two decades and she’s always wanted to do a lead in “Streetcar.”
“It’s a very emotional role, an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “It’s very physically demanding also. At the end of every night (of rehearsals), I’m completely exhausted. But it’s exhilarating also.”
A good portion of the 13-member cast are students making their stage debuts. Soffian says he’s been impressed with how the ensemble has become a cohesive unit.
Marlon Brando’s performance as Stanley in the 1951 film is so strong it could influence any actor doing the part, but Soffian says Hiscocks is beginning to find his own way with the character. He certainly looks the part. Kelsie Hill is playing Stella Dubois.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at the Cascade Theatre’s website, or at the door. For more information, call 242-7730.
