Certain works of art are irreparably connected with specific artists. For example, David and Michelangelo or Van Gogh and sunflowers. Another example is the play, A Streetcar Named Desire. Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando are linked with this play. Williams was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Marlon Brando went from an unknown actor to a major figure.
Brando read for the role in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The director, Eli Kazan gave Brando 20 dollars and sent him to Massachusetts to read before Tennessee Williams. Brando was three days late. Legend has it that Williams was immediately impressed by Brando’s reading. In Kowalski, the playwright, Gregg Ostrin, portrays this meeting. Ostrin steps beyond the legend in his portrayal of the reading. Even knowing that Brando will get the role of Kowalski, Ostrin maintains tension throughout the play. Tennessee Williams portrayed by Robin Lord Taylor, and Marlon Brando, acted by Brandon Flynn, spar before the reading. The two characters display their similarities. Their family history, cruelty towards women, and mercurial character are similar. Both show a streak of ruthlessness and violence.
Margo Jones, played by Alison Cimmet, is a stage director and producer. She was a longtime supporter of Williams. He cast her aside to have Eli Kazan produce the play. Ms. Cimmet portrays a woman who is betrayed yet remains loyal to Williams. Ellie Ricker plays Jo, Brando’s girlfriend. Brando leaves her in the bus depot for hours as he interacts with Williams. Both Brando and Williams treat her as would a cat would torment a mouse. Ms. Ricker clearly shows us a woman who is willing to stay with Brando despite his treatment of her. Sebastin Trevino is Panco Rodriguez, Williams Mexican lover. He is also treated poorly by Williams. Mr. Trevino portrays a gay man who is verbally abused by Williams. He reacts to this by getting drunk and returning to Williams.
All the cast members were superb. Ostrin creates a believable interaction between Williams and Brando that dispels the legend that Williams was immediately awed by Brando. The battle between these two egos successfully creates the tension to carry Kowalski to its conclusion. My only complaint is that the play could use a little more editing.
