Summer And Smoke
by Tennessee Williams
Above: Rodney Witherspoon II as Alma; Below left to right: Jihan Haddad as Ruby Doremus and Jessica Smith as Mrs. Bassett
About Summer and Smoke
This production of Summer and Smoke was a queer, contemporary investigation into Tennessee Williams’ conflicted portrait of American respectability. Imagining the love between Alma and John as a homosexual, interracial relationship, the internal and societal conflicts that they face bloom into contemporary relevance. Scored with live pop music covers and double-casted with meaningful doppelgängers, this project was a deep engagement with (and joyful disruption to) the American canon.
CAST
Alfredo Antillon as Rev. Winemiller, Papa Gonzales, and Randall
Andrew Gombas as Dr. Buchanan, Archie Kramer, Vernon, and Dusty
Jihan Haddad as Nellie Ewell, Rosa Gonzales, and Ruby Doremus
Gunnar Manchester as John Buchanan, Jr.
Jessica Smith as Mrs. Winemiller and Mrs. Bassett
Rodney Witherspoon II as Alma Winemiller
PRODUCTION
Directed by Aileen Wen McGroddy
Stage Managed by Kelly Slader
Brown Trinity Rep MFA Studio Project, 2019
Left to right: Gunnar Manchester as John and Rodney Witherspoon II as Alma
Left to right: Gunnar Manchester as John, Jihan Haddad as Rosa
Left to right: Rodney Witherspoon as Alma, Jihan Haddad as Nellie
Left to right: Rodney Witherspoon II as Alma, Andrew Gombas as Archie Kramer