“Spring Storm,” a Tennesse Williams origin story, made its 2023 opening performance in Loyola’s Lower Depths Theatre on Friday, Sept. 8 to a sold-out audience. Directed by Salvatore Mannino, the play was performed by The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans (TWTC).
TWTC specializes in plays written by the famous 20th-century dramatist, Tennessee Williams. The theater’s goal is to bring attention to the writer’s lesser-known works. His plays are usually of the southern gothic genre, and “Spring Storm” is no exception.
Set in the Mississippi Delta town of Port Tyler in the 1930s, “Spring Storm” tells the tale of two women’s battle for love and societal acceptance amidst their gossiping families and neighbors.
Heavenly Critchfield (played by Nicole Miller, a Loyola alum) is a southern belle feuding with her lust for the social pariah Dick Miles (played by Matthew Raetz). Hertha Nielsen (played by Charlie Carr) is an outcast librarian struggling with her love for the refined Arthur Shannon (played by Matthew Boese).
These character’s stories and feelings intertwine in various ways throughout the performance. This ultimately leads to an angst-filled, emotional conclusion, according to Williams.
“Spring Storm” has a no-intermission, with a 100-minute runtime, which didn’t seem to be a problem, as opening night ended with a standing ovation from the audience.
Audience member Beth Duke described the play as “well-produced” and expressed her love for the theater.
With a cast and crew of over 20 people, TWTC used “Spring Storm” to deliver their last production of the season. However, the theater company is set to make its return in spring of 2024 for its 8th season.
“Spring Storm” is showing in the Lower Depths Theatre from Sept. 8 to 23, and tickets for the company’s 8th season go on sale starting Oct. 1.
