A Streetcar Named Desire
- Previews are May 14-19 | Opening night May 20
- By Tennessee Williams
- Directed by Chris Coleman
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
Tennessee Williams’ iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece is an exquisite study of the unraveling of Blanche DuBois, a fading southern belle. When she arrives unexpectedly on the doorstep of her sister Stella and her brother-in-law Stanley, Blanche is clinging desperately to a persona designed to help her survive. Over the course of one hot, sultry New Orleans summer, Blanche’s fragile facade slowly crumbles as she meets her match in the rough-hewn and hyper masculine Stanley, who is determined to expose her.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Who’s Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Note: A Streetcar Named Desire is recommended for ages 14+. Contains mature content and iconic lines like, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” The actors in this production will be using tobacco-free herbal cigarettes, and theatrical haze will also be used. Children under 6 are not permitted at any PCS production.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
More About This Production
Journalism Student Visits "Streetcar"
A journalism student from Clark College visited PCS last week to learn about Streetcar and write a news story for one of her classes.
"Streetcar" in Pop Culture
See how A Streetcar Named Desire has been referenced in some of your favorite television shows.
"A Streetcar Named Desire" Cast and Creative Team
Learn about the incredible cast and creative team we've assembled for this production.
Emily Mann's "Streetcar" Script Revisions
PCS received permission from the Williams' estate to use Emily Mann's slightly revised version of the script, which was first presented on Broadway in 2012, featuring black cast members in the leading roles.
Complete Casting Announced for “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Demetrius Grosse and Deidrie Henry from NBC’s Game of Silence will play Blanche and Stanley, joined by two other television regulars: Kristen Adele as Stella and Keith Eric Chappelle as Mitch.
What People Are Saying
PCS Gets Steamy with A Streetcar Named Desire
"Coleman's production feels more alive in its setting than most, conjuring the noise and activity of the Marigny and the giddy excitement of postwar America. Lit in streaks of blue and gold, the atmosphere feels alive with possibility and danger in a way that feels true in New Orleans even now. ... The only way to make the show steamier would be to turn off the air conditioning ... Williams' masterpiece still has the power to seduce and shock." –The Oregonian
Something Elemental Electrifies Streetcar
“Center Stage and director Chris Coleman create a full-on sensual backdrop (the rich costumes are also by Mercier; glow-amid-the-gloom lighting is by Ann G. Wrightson; nervously textured sound design by Casi Pacilio) for a play that is brilliantly written but also relies on an unseen sense of possibility and dread.” –Oregon ArtsWatch
Theatre at its Finest
"What can I say about Streetcar Named Desire? It is obviously a classic, and deservedly so. It is also the best show of PCS's Season ... The cast is worthy of breathless praise, particularly Demetrius Grosse as Stanley. But, truly all of the cast is spectacular ... This is theatre at its finest. I felt enormously privileged to watch." –The Crippled Critic
Classic, Searing Drama
"The set and costumes by G. W. Mercier are terrific, setting the scenes in a very realistic way in the seamy and steamy street life of the South of over 50 years ago ... The important thing is that this world is believable and the cast and crew appear to have worked hard as a team to achieve this, and they did!" –Dennis Sparks Reviews
Tour de Force Performance
"Great performances by all under PCS Artistic Director Chris Coleman’s precision directing." –Judy Nedry Reviews
From our fans on Facebook:
"I thoroughly enjoyed this play. The set was awesome, and a great cast."
"There was so much more to this play than I remembered. The acting was superb, and memorable. Highly recommended."
"Enjoyed it so much that I went twice! "
"This was so good! Such a great take on an old favorite."
"SO GOOD. Acting, set design, music, all amazing."
"Absolutely amazing and a real treat for any fans of Game of Silence! Brooding, sexy, provocative - a fully satisfying adventure and a hell of a good way to end the season. Bravo!"
"A great production, all the way around. Portland is lucky to have PCS."
"All the actors were great, really great, including the best Blanche I've seen."
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Production Sponsors
2015–2016 Season Supporting Sponsors
