1) Name, year/age, major

Mary Franke Senior/23, Major: Theatre Minor: Musical Theatre

Senior Mary Franke (Blanche DuBois) in early rehearsals. (Source: DFPA Flickr)

2) What part do you play?

Blanche DuBois

3) Tell us a bit about this process.

This process has been exhilarating from day one. We jumped into scene work the very first day, starting wearing rehearsal pieces and using props, and continued to build and play off one another each night in rehearsal.

4) What’s the most exciting thing about your character?

Blanche is such a complex character full of every single color and element. There is so much to constantly explore and discover!

5) What’re some of the biggest challenges you’re facing with this character and the show?

While being such a complex character is fascinating it can also be difficult. Making sure that Blanche’s journey through out the show has a clear and steady progression is key. Thankfully with the help of the direction team, production team, and my cast members I have been finding my path.

6) Anything you’d like to tell Arts Alive patrons and readers?

Williams wrote a perfect script and it has been an honor getting the chance to work on it. Please come and enjoy a beautiful piece of theatre!

[Dramaturgical Note: The thoughts and views expressed in these profiles are those of the actors, and should always be read with their trademark senses of humor and personality in mind]

We’re almost there, folks! Stay tuned for an in-depth look at tech, some great behind-the-scenes pictures, and a final farewell from the cast and your loyal dramaturg.

Remember, everyone, tickets for A Streetcar Named Desire are on sale!
Click on over here to purchase/reserve your tickets. The show opens Friday, April 13th and runs through Sunday, April 22nd.

Come for opening night and the alumni reception, catch a matinee performance, or see the final theatre performance on the Mullady stage! I’ll be there for opening night and on Friday the 20th. Hope to see you then!

And remember: Thursday, April 12th is a Preview performance, and tickets are half price! Call or email the LUC Box Office (773.508.3847 or boxoffice@luc.edu) for details!

1) Name, year/age, major

Nick Hess. Junior/20. Theatre and Communications.

Nick Hess (Harold "Mitch" Mitchell) flashes a smile in rehearsal (Source: DFPA Flickr)

2) What part do you play?

Harold Mitchell (Mitch)

3) Tell us a bit about this process.

This process has been very exciting and seems to be happening very quickly. The fact that all the actors were off book when rehearsal started meant that we had more time to play. We have been able to make stronger connections more quickly, which is good because that’s really what this show is about.

4) What’s the most exciting thing about your character?

What I like most about Mitch is that he’s NOT Stanley. Mitch is the only real gentleman in this play’s world and finding how that manifests itself has been incredible. Many people perceive Mitch as passive because he doesn’t act like Stanley, but I don’t think that’s true. Mitch is very active just much more well mannered

5) What’re some of the biggest challenges you’re facing with this character and the show?

I think the biggest challenge we’re facing with this show is that everyone has seen the Brando movie and knows that as A Streetcar Named Desire. Our show isn’t that, it can’t be. We still have to be as honest as possible with it to make it real, but we also have to know that people will come in with preconceptions.

6) Anything you’d like to tell Arts Alive patrons and readers?

Come! Bring your friends and families! This show will definitely be worth your time. Thank you so much, in advance, for your support.

[Dramaturgical Note: The thoughts and views expressed in these profiles are those of the actors, and should always be read with their trademark senses of humor and personality in mind]

Angela Sandall as Stella Kowalski fans herself in the New Orleans heat (Source: DFPA Flickr)

1) Name, year/age, major

Angela Sandall, Sophomore/ 19, Theater Arts and Advertising & Public Relations double major with an English minor.

2) What part do you play?

Stella Kowalski

3) Tell us a bit about this process.

One difference between this production’s process and other productions I’ve been a part of is the fact that we were off book from day one which has expedited our journey tremendously. It has been a bit of a whirlwind, we’ve really attacked this show head on and that has been absolutely thrilling.

[Dramaturgical note: Being "off book" is a theatrical term for having every line of the show memorized, and therefore being able to rehearse without holding your script]

4) What’s the most exciting thing about your character?

One of my favorite things about Stella is the fact that she left her debutante life behind and pursued some independence in New Orleans. She would’ve been Blanche, except she met Stanley. After Blanche arrives she’s caught between these two opposing parts of her life. It makes for a fascinating dynamic.

5) What’re some of the biggest challenges you’re facing with this character and the show?

Stella is caught in between the love of her life, Stanley, and her sister, Blanche. It has been difficult to find the fine line between her love of her Blanche and Stanley and when she’s upset with them. Because the rehearsal process has been shortened I keep forgetting to slow down, take deep breaths, and listen to my scene partners. Luckily, I have an amazing cast, production team, and direction team to guide me in the right direction.

6) Anything you’d like to tell Arts Alive patrons and readers?

Come see the show and thank you so much for your patronage!

[Dramaturgical Note: The thoughts and views expressed in these profiles are those of the actors, and should always be read with their trademark senses of humor and personality in mind]