Review: “A Streetcar Named Desire” is a Must-See Success at Bay Street

Bay Street Theater’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened this week with a standing ovation. This performance of the classic Tennessee Williams play is Explosive, riveting, and pure Tennessee Williams! It is being produced as part of the mainstay of this year’s 16th “Literature Live, ” which will most likely enable thousands of school-aged children to see this play live on stage. The show will run until December 1st at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor.

Director Stephen Hamilton uses his skills and talents to recreate the play’s energy, motion, and essence in one act. The brilliant scenic and set design is yet another feather in the cap for Mike Billings because it adds to the magic of the performances of this special cast. Allen O’Reilly (Bay Street Theater Director of Education & Community Outreach)  helped Director Hamilton to condense the show into a cohesive production, bringing the essence of the spirited, beautiful poetry of Tennessee Williams lines to life.

Katie Rodgers as Stella Kowalski wins the audience with her ability to connect her character’s strengths and flaws to the audience in a bonding performance. Ms. Rodgers’s talent is on full display in this role.

Shea Buckner is a powerhouse actor, and his performance of Stanley Kowalski is explosive. He commands the stage, takes charge, is perfect for the role, and he had the opening night audience awestruck.

The play’s signature role of “Blanche DuBois” is brilliantly portrayed by Daniela Mastropietro. She is magnificent in this most difficult role, delivering so many of the classic caveat lines that a Tennessee Williams play always contains. Her costumes, designed by Yuka Silvera, add to Ms. Mastropietro’s ability to master this iconic role. For her opening night performance, the audience gave her an extra charged applause when they stood for her.

Sawyer A. Spielberg in his role as Harold “Mitch” Mitchell endears himself to the audience with his raw ability to bring out the emotional nature of “Mitch.” In this play he has a calming nature, yet he projects power and vulnerability all at the same time.

Nicole Marie Hunt plays the part of Eunice Hubbell. She stands out, moving about the stage with both elegance and grace. She has wonderful physical acting skills and a great speaking voice.

Joe Pallister as Steve Hubbell once again gives this well-known East End iconic actor the opportunity to showcase his talent. Joe is always a shining element in every show he is in.

Carlos Garcia as Pablo Gonzalez is effective and has his moments in the show. The same can be said for Adelaide  Mestre who plays both a Mexican woman and a nurse.

Matthew Conlon is to be congratulated for his role as the Doctor. Matthew is an east end live theater legend and always adds a touch of his magic in every show he performs in.

There are so many folks who are part of the team that creates successful live theater. Here is a list of the team for this show. Sound Director-David Brandenburg, Lighting Designer -Justin Poruban, Production Stage Manager-Melissa Sparks, Brian Clemente-Assistant Director and Stage Manager, Rick Sordelet-Fight Director/Intimacy Consultant, Marty Shlansky-Assistant Projection Designer and Eric Jacobson-Prop Designer.

Bay Street Theater’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” will run until December 1st at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor.