Oswego Playhouse Hosts a Splendid Tribute to Tennessee Williams

The Oswego Playhouse honored one of American's greatest playwrights, Tennessee Williams, Saturday night at .

Williams, born 100 years ago to the day, wrote plays that addressed taboo subjects and exposed the dark underbelly of conventional life. The Playhouse's celebration featured performances by the Col. Boyd's Dixie Band, a staged reading of Suddenly, Last Summer. and even a birthday cake with candles for the great Southern playwright.

“It's such a poetic and fantastical work with the lush garden and the carnivorous plants," said artistic director Daina Giesler said of why she chose the play.

Furthermore, it is one of Williams' better known plays due, in part, to the starring Katherine Hepburn, Montgomery Cliff and Elizabeth Taylor. Giesler mentioned during her introduction how glad she was to offer the performance as a tribute to the recently deceased Elizabeth Taylor, as well as to Tennessee Williams.

The event also doubled as a fundraiser for the Playhouse. Giesler said the group fills a vital role in the community.

“We are a place where artists of all varieties can come together to collaborate. Our productions showcase local talent," she said.

Colonel Boyd's Dixie Band provided lively, toe-tapping music to begin the evening. Featuring music from Williams' own southern childhood, the band set the absolute right tone for the evening.

The staged reading featured Playhouse veterans, Jacquie Weirich, Brent Miller, Julie Kinsey, Jeannine Collins, Mike Cook, Lynn Meredith, and Beth Goncher. Reading a play which is normally acted out is always a challenge. The Playhouse actors proved they were more than up to the task. Using only voices and expressions, they brought Williams' most disturbing play to life.

Tennessee Williams was born in 1911 to Cornelius Williams and Edwina Dakin Williams, a self-styled Southern belle. His mother provided the inspiration for many of Williams' leading ladies. Williams moved around a great deal in his youth finally settling in New Orleans in 1939 where he worked for the Works Progress Administration. Williams was one of many great American artists who benefited from this type of government assistance.

Williams received his first critical success with the Chicago debut of “The Glass Menagerie” in 1944. Williams wrote continually throughout the forties, fifties and sixties. Some of his more famous work include “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Camino Real” and “This Property is Condemned.” He received many awards including four Drama Critic Circle Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Despite his artistic successes, Williams struggled throughout his life with depression and addiction. His depression grew more acute after the death of his life long partner, Frank Merlo, in 1963 of cancer. He continued to write throughout the 70s and 80s. His later work included a memoir published in 1975. Williams died in New York City in 1983.

Williams' brilliant career and work which are as meaningful today as they were 40 years ago is a fitting subject for tribute by the Oswego Playhouse. The Playhouse is an all-volunteer theatre group which depends on the hard work and contributions of members of the community. If you would like to donate or volunteer contact Daina Giesler or Michelle Bergeron at the Village Hall at 630-554-3287.