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Towngate Brings Tennessee Williams To You

TOWNGATE OPENS 2016-2017 SEASON WITH TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ THE GLASS MENAGERIE

Some amazing American playwrights have written outstanding plays that stand the test of time. Many of these playwrights have made significant contributions not just to theater but also to culture and creative thought. Playwrights such as August Wilson, Arthur Miller, Wendy Wasserstein, Edward Albee, David Mamet have made us laugh and cry. We realize our humanity through their words.

One of our greatest American playwrights was Tennessee Williams. He wrote many classic American plays such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and The Rose Tattoo.

Tennessee Williams
Tennessee Williams

Williams’ plays are predominantly set in the American South and feature characters who are emotionally or physically damaged in some manner. Often heart wrenching, always thought provoking, Williams’ plays speak to what it means to be human and the struggles we face in life.

TOWNGATE BRINGS TENNESSEE WILLIAMS TO YOU

Our community gets to experience Williams’ beautiful work. Towngate’s opening play of the 2016-2017 season is Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.

His first major success as a playwright, The Glass Menagerie tells the story of the Wingfield family.  We meet frustrated artist Tom and his badgering mother, Amanda, who is often lost in her Southern Belle past. We also meet Tom’s agonizingly shy sister, Laura. The story follows the consequence a visit from a “gentleman caller” for Laura has on their lives. Partially based on Williams himself, and his own mother and sister, the characters show the difficulty they have in accepting and relating to reality. Each member of the Wingfield family is unable to overcome this struggle. As a result, each withdraws into a private world of illusion, finding comfort and meaning that the real world does not seem to offer.

Cast of Towngate's Production of "The Glass Menagerie"
Brendan Sheehan as Tom, Jamie Stout as Laura and Cathie Spencer as Amanda in Towngate’s production of “The Glass Menagerie.”

The Cast is Superb.

Dave Henderson directs the Towngate production. A remarkable cast of local actors is currently rehearsing for what is certain to be a tremendous production.

Cathie Spencer plays Amanda, a proud and overbearing mother. Jamie Stout plays Laura, Amanda’s excruciatingly shy daughter who has withdrawn from the outside world. Brendan Sheehan stars as Tom, Amanda’s son and Laura’s younger brother who supports the family but wishes he could escape his life. And Michael Wylie plays the role of Jim O’Connor, an old friend of Tom and Laura who is brought to the Wingfield home in hopes that he and Laura will become involved romantically.

Brendan Sheehan in Towngate's "The Glass Menagerie"
Brendan Sheehan as Tom, who supports his family but wishes he could escape his life.

The performance runs September 16-18 and 23-24. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase in advance at OIonline.com or by calling 304-242-7700. You can buy tickets at the door, too. Admission is $12.50/$11 OI members.

Appraisal Events Set for Sept. 9 & 10

DO YOU HAVE CASH IN YOUR ATTIC?
Antiques Experts Return to Wheeling for Appraisal Events

WHEELING, W.VA. — The boys are back in town! You may know them as “The Appraisal Guys” or the “Frick & Frack of Knick & Knack.” You may have seen them on Antiques Roadshow, HGTV’s Cash In the Attic and Fox’s Strange Inheritance. Tim Luke and Greg Strahm are both accredited members of the International Society of Appraisers and co-owners of Treasure Quest Appraisal Group in Florida. Tim served as director of collectibles for Christie’s and is an auctioneer for Julian’s, the “auction house to the stars.” Greg, his appraisal business partner and husband, is also a chef.

Tim and Greg return to Wheeling for special appraisal events to raise awareness and funds for The Museums of Oglebay Institute. Here are a few of the fun ways you can participate:

Price is Right: Social Hour and Auction

The Appraisal Guys’ Price Is Right is an entertaining twist on the popular game show. Audience members and celebrity guests guess the value of items that have been discovered, appraised or sold by Tim and Greg. You’ll be shocked and surprised at how much (or how little) the items brought, as Tim tells the stories behind them and how the value of an item is determined.  Enjoy a social hour, auction and refreshments. Bid on great items like a “Growler of the Month” package from Wheeling Brewing Company or an import foods basket from Good Mansion Wines.

The event takes place at 6:30pm Friday, September 9 at the Mansion Museum in Oglebay.

Appraisal Event at Cabela’s

Have your items appraised by Tim and Greg! These antiques experts will estimate each item’s worth, comment on the value and significance and give information about its history. How much is Aunt Mabel’s prize kewpie doll worth? You just might hit the jackpot!

The appraisal event takes place from 10am-2pm, Saturday, September 10 at Cabela’s at the Highlands.

Home Visits

Do you have too many treasures to transport? The Appraisal Guys will come to your home and appraise your treasures.  Those interested in an appraisal home visit should call the Mansion Museum to schedule an appointment for September.

For a full schedule of The Appraisal Guys’ events, more information about those listed above or to make reservations, visit the Oglebay Institute’s September calendar of events at www.oionline.com or call 304-242-7272. All proceeds benefit The Museums of Oglebay Institute.