THE GLASS MENAGERIE

A stellar cast performs Tennessee Williams's first major play, produced here by L.A. Theatre Works. Calista Flockhart has the difficult role of the painfully shy Laura Wingfield, while Julie Harris is her overbearing and talkative mother, Amanda. John Goodman soberly narrates the painful story, which is based on Laura's brother Tom's memories of his family's struggles to stay afloat and hopeful in the last years of the Depression. The audio play offers listeners the immediacy of live theater; however, sounds other than voices, such as doors closing and chairs scraping, break the intensity of the dialogue. Still, the power of the iconic work shines through, thanks to this professional ensemble of actors. L.W.S. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2025]