Lauren Spencer
The first play to be put on this semester by the Pierce College theater department, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” is in the works and ready to rightfully represent the classic tale from the 1950s.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is a playwright written by the legendary Tennessee Williams. The play tells the story of a wealthy Southern family, the Pollitt’s, who are packed with plenty of secrets. The relationship between the father, Big Daddy, and sons, Brick and Gooper, is dysfunctional and with the father living out his last days, the battle for their father’s inheritance money and land creates conflict. Tension between the sons and within the marriage between Brick and Maggie build until a climax is reached and truths begin to fly.
“The play is a powerful drama with some humor,” said Gene Putnam, director of the play and chair of theater arts. “It shows the relationship and dynamics of the South.”
Students not only make up the entire acting cast, but also lead everything from stage production to costume design.
The play has been revised over the years, reproduced on Broadway and created into movies. A film version, which Williams was not pleased with, was released in 1958 with legendary actors Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman.
In March of this year was the opening to the play on Broadway with actor Terrence Howard and veterans James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad.
“We are pushing for students to be involved,” said Putnam about the attendance of students at school productions.
Opening night is Oct. 24 with a preview of the production the night before.
Ian Loveall, who plays Brick, rehearses for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Sept.17. The opening night is Oct. 24. ()