Tennessee Williams drama ‘Suddenly Last Summer’ comes to Footlight Theatre in January

How far will a mother go to preserve her son’s reputation? That’s the question in “Suddenly Last Summer,” coming to The Footlight Players stage Jan. 20 to Feb. 5. Considered one of Tennessee Williams’ most haunting pieces of writing, this play opened off Broadway on Jan. 7, 1958.

Catharine Holly has witnessed the murder of her cousin Sebastian, which has sent her to a psychiatric hospital. When Sebastian’s mother, Mrs. Venable, invites a psychiatrist to question Catharine about her story, she paints a picture so graphic it’s almost unbelievable. In fact, Mrs. Venable would rather not believe Catherine’s story and prefers to keep her son’s secrets buried.

Don Brandenburg, artistic director for The Footlight Players and director of this production, said this play has been on his short list for quite some time. Last season, Footlight produced “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which was well received by audiences. It seemed right to offer another Tennessee Williams’ classic this season, he said.

A personal fan of Tennessee Williams’ work, Brandenburg said “Suddenly Last Summer” is exactly the sort of play he enjoys. “It is insightful, with issues of family, sexuality and social norms. The sensitive script is layered with deep conventional roots. It is nearly impossible to look away as you are drawn into a story that eventually develops into the predator becoming the prey; a story that will not easily be forgotten.”

Performances are 8 p.m. Jan. 20, Jan. 21, Jan. 27, Jan. 28, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, Feb. 4 with a matinee at 3 p.m. Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5. Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for military/seniors and $20 for students. Order tickets online at footlightplayers.net or by calling the box office at 843-722-4487. This play is not suitable for children.

About The Footlight Players
The Footlight Players launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays directed by Lt. Commander Charles Russell Price at the Charleston Navy yard. The series was such a success and drew such a following that The Footlight Players formally organized and incorporated in the fall of 1932. To this day, The Footlight Players continues to provide professional quality, affordable community theater for the Lowcountry at the historic Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. in Charleston. For more information, visit footlightplayers.net or call 843-722-4487.