A Streetcar Named Desire

Amy Rutherford and Mac Fyfe. Photo: Dahlia Katz.

Weyni Mengesha's new production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire is a must-see Toronto show this season. Vibrantly staged and exceptionally cast, the piece captivates so entirely you will not notice it runs more than three hours. Nor will you quite realize it was written more than 70 years ago, that's how relevant many of the play's themes are in the hands of this talented company.

Some may be familiar with the story of Blanche DuBois (played by the brilliant Amy Rutherford), a fading southern belle who flees financial and emotional ruin and shacks up for a time with her sister Stella (Leah Doz) and her abusive husband Stanley Kowalski (Mac Fyfe) in their rundown apartment. Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Streetcar takes an intimate look at clashing lives and cultures, primarily the conflict between the privileged Blanche and her antagonistic blue-collar brother-in-law Stanley, who becomes increasingly resentful of his sister-in-law's holier-than-thou attitude and fragile comportment.

Rutherford's performance as Blanche is magical, from her very first line until her last, all eyes are on her—it's impossible not to be drawn in by this tragic heroine and her catlike movements. Fyfe's fierce yet vulnerable Stanley is a fine counterpart, as is Doz as the quietly suffering Stella. Meanwhile, a diverse cast of characters, including Stanley's friend and Blanche's unlikely love interest, Mitch (played by the ever-endearing Gregory Prest), and raucous neighbours Eunice (Akosua Amo-Adem) and Steve (Lindsay Owen Pierre), provide a rich background to the domestic battlefield. 

Featuring fantastic live music directed by Mike Ross, and stunning teamwork by set designer Lorenzo Savoini, costume designer Rachel Forbes, lighting designer Kimberly Purtell, and sound designer Debashis Sinha, Soulpepper's creation is an unforgettable theatre experience you don't want to miss.

Catch this Streetcar while you can. The production runs until October 27 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit soulpepper.ca for more information and to buy tickets.