Reviews for the new production of Tennessee William's classic "The Glass Menagerie" have been mixed, as overly traditional critics refuse to embrace a vision that differs from their original memories of the oft-produced drama. But one reviewer, Hilton Als in The New Yorker, wrote a
brilliant review of the production he described as "a delicate re-imagining of Tennessee William's classic." Als' review accurately describes the incredible production's qualities and accomplishments. David Leveaux, whose skills are far better suited to dramas than musicals, has reinterpreted "The Glass Menagerie" in subtle ways that somehow make it far more accessible to audiences that might have found
the play and the characters in previous productions too unbearable. Christian Slater, who many critics have called inappropriate for the roll of Tom, establishes himself as an excellent Broadway actor, full of nuance and subtleties. Many critics have disliked Slater's casting and portrayal because The Glass Menagerie is William's most autobiographical play and Tom, in previous productions, has been cast in his image. Leveaux and Slater have created a far more masculine Tom. "How then," writes Als, "to
explain Christian Slater's hunky, shambling hero? Slater proves that he's more than willing to bend his stocky, powerful frame to the metal of Williams' breathtaking cadences. Like the other actors, Slater surprises us with the sacrifices he's willing to make for the role; not once do we feel as
if he is just another movie star turning a trick on Broadway, or that the play needs him in order to survive." Jessica Lange, who again has been criticized as overly nervous and elegant, delivers a captivating Amanda Wingfield. "No other actor's voice is as convincing as Jessica Lange's," writes Als, "with its mixture of nervousness, charm and strident
need. Her Amanda is a radical reinterpretation – and such as revealing one that she actually makes you see "The Glass Menagerie" in a different way." It's actually Leveaux who makes you see "The Glass Menagerie" in a different way – and it's an enormously successful way indeed.
Jack Myers Entertainment Report's entertainment rating system is based on a maximum of five jacks and a minimum of zero jacks. 0 = awful; 1 = pretty bad; 2 = okay
but don't go out of your way to see it; 3 = reasonably good but not special; 4 = very good and worth paying
attention to; 5 = exceptional. Opinions are based on my own likes, dislikes and preferences.
