KU Theatre

Summer & Smoke

by Tennessee Williams

Premiered in 1947 under the historic direction of Margo Jones, this evocative play uses poetic realism to tell a story of unrequited love, duty and morality.  The imagery and rich emotional landscape of a small Mississippi town shortly before World War I explores the lives of a demure preacher’s daughter and a wildly passionate young doctor who both smolder with desires of the spirit and the flesh. As part of his dissertation research, theatre doctoral student Boone Hopkins has studied the staging and rehearsal practices of director Jones and brings this research to his restaging of the play. A touching demonstration of Williams’ keen ability to reveal the human condition without passing judgment, the play is a meditation on ethical and social dilemmas, themes that become even more resonate at an educational theatre.

  • Directed by Boone Hopkins
  • Scenic Design by Rana Esfandiary
  • Lighting Design by Julia Fleck
  • Costume Design by Delores Ringer

Character

Cast Member
Alma Winemiller

Laura Williams
John Buchanan, Jr.       Danny Devlin
Rev. Winemiller Taylor Geiman
Mrs. Winemiller Chandra Owenby Hopkins
Dr. Buchanan Scott Vancil
Rosa Gonzales Jenny Curatola
Nellie Ewell          

Lindsey Roesti
Roger Doremus

Robert Pagenkopf
Mrs. Bassett      Lynsey Becher
Rosemary/ Dusty Ashley Hoyle
Vernon/ Archie Kramer Tim Wilkinson
Papa Gonzales Jordan La Force

 

Performances

  • Friday March 2, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Saturday March 3, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Sunday March 4, 2:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Friday March 9, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Saturday March 10, 7:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre
  • Sunday March 11, 2:30 p.m. | Crafton-Preyer Theatre

Ticket Prices

  • Public: $18
  • Senior Citizens & KU Faculty/Staff: $17
  • All Students: $10


    Photos by Rana Esfandiary

 


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