Glass Menagerie opens Thursday

Old Creamery – The Glass Menagerie opens April 8 on The Old Creamery’s new intimate 70-seat Studio Stage.

The play centers on the efforts of Amanda, who hopes to find a husband for her daughter, Laura. Abandoned years ago by her own husband, Amanda has had to fight for financial survival in order to raise Laura and her brother, Tom. Now, she longs for a husband to care for Laura, while Tom - who works in a warehouse to support his mother and sister - longs for his own freedom.

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams - considered one of America’s best playwrights - premiered in Chicago in 1944 and won the prestigious 1945 New York Drama Critics Circle Award. The cast consists of Cheryl Black, of Columbia Missouri; Jonesy McElroy originally of Belle Plaine, Iowa and now of Los Angeles; Emily Peterson of Kansas City, Missouri; and Patrick McGee of New York. Directed by Tom Milligan, producing director at The Old Creamery Theatre Company, the show will run through April 25 and is rated Theatre PG.

Performances are Thursdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $15.50 for students.

A special open house will be held on Friday, April 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate The Old Creamery’s new Studio Stage. No reservations are needed for the open house, which is free and open to the public. The show, which starts at 7:30 p.m., is not included in the free open house.

Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for tickets, directions to the new stage, or more information. The Studio Stage is housed in the former Clear Creek Amana Middle School.