Timeless Play 'The Glass Menagerie' Reveals Modern Fears and Loneliness

A Timeless Play and a Community Effort

Director Phillip M Church emphasized that the reference to "Wingfield" in Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie is not about weather, but rather about the visual impact of bombs exploding over Europe and the fear surrounding America's entry into World War II. He pointed out that 80 years later, in 2025, Williams’ words still resonate with today’s world.

Church explained that the play serves as a microcosmic metaphor for national and global politics. It also highlights the pervasive issue of loneliness, a struggle that Williams himself faced throughout his life. “How sad that 80 years later in 2025 many people living beneath one roof can be riddled with a feeling of abject estrangement,” he said.

Community theater group What if Works will present The Glass Menagerie from August 8-10 at two locations: the Westchester Cultural Arts Center through the Roxy Theatre Group and the Seminole Theatre in Homestead through the Homestead Center for the Arts.

Church described the production as a challenge to Williams’ belief that dreams are only illusions to be extinguished. The play will feature a quartet of professional theatre educators, including Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt as Amanda Wingfield, Juan Carlos Gutierrez as Tom Wingfield, Megan Zorrilla as Laura Wingfield, and Charles Sothers as The Gentleman Caller.

According to Church, The Glass Menagerie is regarded as one of America’s great works because it explores the complexities of family dynamics and mirrors the nation's internal conflicts. “Laura's glass menagerie is symbolic of mankind, and like her glass animals, we are fragile and in desperate need of care and attention,” he said.

The production will incorporate images and illusions across three projection screens, enhancing Williams’ early attempts to merge cinematic reality with stage illusion. Church called the play a powerful, socio-polemical production that speaks to the heart of our times.

One of the most iconic lines from the play, “Blow out your candles, Laura,” has become as familiar to theatergoers as Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be.” Church noted that What if Works questions the rationale behind this line, challenging the idea that giving up hope is the only solution to harsh realities.

In honor of Tennessee Williams’ personal quest for freedom and discovery, partial proceeds from the play will benefit the Florida International University Ignite “Accessing the World” Scholarship fund. This fund supports students with disabilities by providing opportunities to study abroad.

Tickets for the event are priced at $15 for general admission, $10 for veterans, students, and seniors. Theatre League of South Florida members can attend for free. For more information on tickets, schedules, and venues, visit www.whatifworks.com.

Supporting Students in Need

For 15 years, Style Saves has provided essential school supplies to South Florida families in need. The nonprofit’s annual back-to-school event, along with year-round programs, helps uplift youth and give students confidence and dignity as they prepare for a new school year.

Through a department store-style shopping format, attendees can select new uniforms, sneakers, school supplies, and accessories at no cost. In addition to providing necessities, the event creates a fun atmosphere with activities, food, and beverages, turning a stressful time into a memorable experience.

“Celebrating 15 years of Style Saves is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to supporting South Florida's students,” said Style Saves President Rachael Russell Saiger.

The Back-To-School event benefits children in migrant camps, homeless shelters, foster care, and various organizations across South Florida. Families will enjoy Sprinkle City-themed activities, and the event has expanded its reach through mentorship and enrichment initiatives, offering guidance, life-skills support, and memorable experiences such as prom events, holiday givebacks, and educational outings.

“We are deeply grateful to the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Convention Center for their continued partnership in making this milestone event possible,” said Style Saves Vice President Isabela Rangel Grutman.

Style Saves will hold its event from August 9-10 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Families in need can get tickets at www.tixr.com/groups/stylesaves. Volunteers are needed for set-up the day before and on event days. To sign up, visit www.stylesaves.org or email info@stylesaves.org.

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.