Breathing New Life Into An American Classic

17:05

March 12, 2013

From left, Zachary Quinto as Tom, Cherry Jones as Amanda and Celia Keenan-Bolger as Laura, are pictured in a scene from the A.R.T's "The Glass Menagerie." (Michael J. Lutch)

The new production of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T) in Cambridge, Mass., has been critically praised for its fresh approach to the play.

The cast of "The Glass Menagerie." From left: Cherry Jones, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Brian J. Smith and Zachary Quinto. (American Repertory Theater) — The cast of "The Glass Menagerie." From left: Cherry Jones, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Brian J. Smith and Zachary Quinto (click to enlarge). (American Repertory Theater)

Since it was first produced on Broadway in 1945, the play has been revived, made into a film and been staged by community theaters and high schools.

Star Zachary Quinto (who you may recognize from the TV show "Heroes" or the movie "Star Trek Into Darkness") was hailed as "the best Tom ever" in The New York Times.

And Cherry Jones has received praise for creating an Amanda that's more sympathetic than overbearing.

Robin Young sits down with the entire cast of "The Glass Menagerie" to talk about the challenges of bringing to life a play that audiences may have their own ideas as to how it should be played.

Guests:

Zachary Quinto, plays Tom in the A.R.T. production of "The Glass Menagerie." He tweets @ZacharyQuinto.
Cherry Jones, plays Amanda in the A.R.T. production of "The Glass Menagerie."
Celia Keenan-Bolger, plays Amanda in the A.R.T. production of "The Glass Menagerie." She tweets @celiakb.
Brian J. Smith, plays The Gentleman Caller in the A.R.T. production of "The Glass Menagerie." He tweets @BrianJacobSmith.

This segment aired on March 12, 2013.