The Topanga Actors Company staged reading of Tennessee Williams’ last play, A House Not Meant To Stand, was performed to very appreciative full houses at the Topanga Library, over the weekend of March 7-8. A stellar cast illuminated Williams’ “southern gothic” final work with blistering talent.
Bravo to master producer Judith Hendra, and the talented, creative, and innovative director, Stephen Hoye!
Williams really got even with his own family as he comments on the dysfunctional state of contemporary society. Ed Giron and Jeanette Vigne as Cornelius and Bella McCorkle, the bully father and the vulnerable, slightly demented mother, gave devastating, detailed, superbly layered performances. Elizabeth Herron put in a scintillating performance as the narcissistic, plastic- surgery-and-sex-obsessed neighbor, Jessie, who is married to the creepy, womanizing Emerson Sykes, played masterfully by Tom Waters, who made one’s skin crawl.
Joshua Hinson, as the son, Charley, gave a solid, sympathetic performance trying to hold things together, while Annie Abrams rocked the house with her brilliant portrayal of Charley’s zealous, born-again pregnant wife. Ably supported by Bill Pierce and Dylan Booth, A House Not Meant to Stand was a rare chance to see Williams’ swan song work.
Mark your calendars for the next TAC production on June 20 and 21 as this wonderful company continues to bring modern works to life right here in the canyon. We are so lucky to have such wonderful, generous, home-grown talent in Topanga.
