What’s a fun way to spend a Thursday night? Having drinks with the cast of A Streetcar Named Desire. Emily Mann’s revival began previews on April 3, and she and the cast took some time to chat and hang out. Below are my favorite quotes from the very charming and articulate actors, and a couple of photos. Absolutely worth mentioning: Daphne Rubin-Vega has the most distinctively wonderful speaking voice on the block — sultry and girlish all at once. We’re excited for her Stella Kowalski on those grounds alone.
“White actors have always played Othello, and when Paul Robeson did it, people thought it was revolutionary.” –Nicole Ari Parker, commenting on the multi-racial casting of this production
“We’re like a band. [This play] is what everyone’s playing.” –Wood Harris
“I feel pressure working with Daphne Rubin-Vega” –Blair Underwood, on whether he feels pressure to do well by Tennessee Williams
“I identify with her sense of overwhelm.” –Daphne Rubin-Vega, on whether she identifies with Stella in any way
“Graphic sex.” –Daphne Rubin-Vega, on what people should expect
“I think the other two Blanches were busy.” –Nicole Ari Parker, on how she was cast
“I get cast as the same thing over and over in Hollyweird. And you can say no nineteen times, but the twentieth time, you need to keep the lights on.” –Wood Harris, on why he appreciates playing a different kind of character than he’s played in the past
“Her performance informs the whole play. She’s what we’re fighting over.” –Nicole Ari Parker, on Daphne Rubin-Vega’s performance
“The movie is painfully sanitized. And you know… It’s the Marlon Brando Show.” –Daphne Rubin-Vega, on comparing the play to the famous film
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FYI: Daphne Rubin Vega is playing Stella. Not Blanche.
And, I’ve lost my mind. That’s fixed now, thanks.