The Glass Menagerie is a deeply moving memory play about how Tom, the protagonist, deals with a lifetime of pain, tragedy, and family issues, and how he learns to move on after going through so much. Ultimately, the play becomes a tragic coming of age story. Many believe it to be a semi-autobiographical piece for Tennessee Williams, who was raised in an environment very much like the one presented in the work. Derek Gagnier, Associate Professor of Theatre and Coordinator for the Bachelor of Arts Performance Degree, is directing this production. Gagnier describes the play as "poetic, romantic and heartbreaking," while stating that, "It is one of the best plays on which I've ever worked." Tennessee Williams was an American playwright, screenwriter, poet, and novelist whose career stretched from 1936 to his death in 1983. During his lifetime, he wrote some of the most beloved plays in the history of American Theatre, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Rose Tattoo. He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Tony Award for Best Play, two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Tickets are available in person at the Valborg Theatre box office Monday through Friday from 9 - 5 p.m., by phone at (828) 262-3063, toll-free at 800-841-ARTS (2787) and online at www.theatre.appstate.edu.

The Valborg Theatre is located on the north side of Chapell Wilson Hall on Howard Street. The door faces the back of the Turchin Arts Center on King Street. Parking is available after 5 p.m. on campus in faculty lots and in the College Street parking deck near the Belk Library and Information Commons.