The opening weeks of the California State University, Stanislaus Theatre Department’s 2013-14 season will see a Pulitzer Prize winning play come to the stage and a night with one of Hollywood’s most well-known character actors.
The university is hosting a production of the Tennessee Williams classic, “A Streetcar Named Desire” Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Sept. 21, the Theatre Department is presenting “An Evening with Stephen Tobolowsky.”
The production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” is featuring guest ensemble The Naked Navigation Theatre Collective. The play stars Kenric Green as Stanley Kowalski; Kama Maccoli as Stella Kowalski; Melita Ann Sagar; as Blanche Dubois; and Jeremy Minagro as Mitch. The show is directed by guest artist Dana Martin, who has opted to give the play a few modern spins.
At times disturbing and violent, sexy and intelligent, “A Streetcar Named Desire” is regarded as an American classic and a theatrical masterpiece. The play’s tragic heroes — Stanley, Blanche and Stella — are haunted by deep pains of the past and each driven by the heat of brutal desire.
Williams was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for the play in 1948.
The Collective is partnering with women’s shelters and organizations in several communities throughout the tour, using Streetcar as a powerful tool to promote conversation and prompt action concerning issues of violence against women, mental health and advocacy for victims of physical and sexual abuse. A portion of their proceeds will be donated to these organizations.
Shows are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Mainstage Theatre on the campus. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.csustan.edu/soa/theatretickets.html.
The following week the university will bring Tobolowsky to town for a night of storytelling.
Tobolowsky, who has performed in a slew of movies and television shows, including “Memento,” “Groundhog Day,” “Deadwood,” and “Glee,” will share his stories about craft, human relationships, and life in general.
Tobolowsky is a screenwriter, playwright and director. He has been nominated for a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor, co-wrote the film “True Stories” with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, and he wrote and directed “Two Idiots in Hollywood,” based on his play. He is also the subject and star of the cult hit documentary “Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party,” which was named the Best Comedy and Best Documentary at the Los Angeles HD Film Festival.
The show is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 21 in the Mainstage Theatre on campus. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.csustan.edu/soa/theatretickets.html.
Parking for both events is free in Lot 2. Maps and directions are available at www.csustan.edu/maps.
