A Streetcar Named Desire

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Bozeman Daily CHRONICLE

Mark Kuntz and Cara Wilder tackle Stanley Kowalski and Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' classic "A Streetcar Named Desire" at The Ellen Theatre.

Mark Kuntz and Cara Wilder tackle Stanley Kowalski and Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' classic "A Streetcar Named Desire" at The Ellen Theatre.

'Streetcar Named Desire' at The Ellen Theatre

Posted: Friday, May 7, 2010 12:00 am

Add it all up, and there are over 200 years of theatrical experience about to be on display at The Ellen Theatre. That's what happens when Actors Theatre Montana and Montana TheatreWorks team up to present one of the most famous American plays of all time, "A Streetcar Named Desire." This limited engagement, opening May 14, is packed with talent and showcases the Tennessee Williams masterpiece, first staged in 1947 and perhaps best known for its film incarnation starring a young Marlon Brando and the stunning Vivien Leigh. Wrought with emotion, "Streetcar" tells a timeless story set in the South about two sisters, their relationships with men and the tribulations of love and life.

Directed by Dee Dee Van Zyl, theater veteran and ATM co-founder, this production features several professionals in the spotlight of the historic Ellen, most notably Cara Wilder, ATM co- founder, and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks favorites Mark Kuntz and Susan Dickerson. Local theater-goers will also recognize cast members Eric Concord, Colter Langan, Ben Trotter, Kim Lentz, Sherman Hall and Daniel Potts. Tom Watson, who delighted audiences with his set designs in last season's "Noises Off," "The Boy Friend" and "A Christmas Story," returns to those duties, capturing just the right flavor of a sultry New Orleans. Period costumes are being created by Faye Christensen.

"A Streetcar Named Desire," which Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola called, "Lyrical and poetic, human and heartbreaking, memorable and funny," runs for three weekends and only eight performances. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. while the Sunday matinees have a 3 p.m. curtain. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available one hour before each show and the final performance is slated for Saturday, May 29. Tickets, $10 and $15 depending on seat location, are available at www.theellentheatre.com or by calling The Ellen Theater box office at 585-5885.