AC Theatre set to present Tennessee Williams classic Summer and Smoke

An early 20th-century love story that stands the test of time takes center stage Dec. 7-10 when the Amarillo College Theatre Arts Program presents Summer and Smoke, a play by Tennessee Williams.

The story centers around neighbors long smitten but kept at bay by their divergent attitudes about life – one is straight-laced, the other self-indulgent. Despite each coming full circle to the other’s point of view, the chasm persists.

“This is a classic by Tennessee Williams, but it is seldom produced, and that makes it especially fun for us to present,” Monty Downs, instructor of theatre and the show’s director, said. “This play definitely is challenging, but I believe we’re up to it and that it’s going to be a wonderful show.”

The challenges, Downs says, are primarily due to the period in which the play is set, 1916, just prior to America’s entry into World War I.

“Our students have had to do a lot of research about the time and place, about what life was like in a town deep in the south at that particular point in time,” Downs said. “And not just the actors, but the designers, too. What were the houses like? What sort of windows did they have?

“What type of clothing was popular, and what sort of music did they listen to back then. Everyone has worked really hard to get the details right, the sort of effort that is vital to putting on a first-rate show.”

In fact, Downs says this play will be AC’s 2nd foray into the annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, and festival representatives from Region 6 will be on hand to check it out.

Summer and Smoke will enjoy a four-day run at the Experimental Theatre on AC’s Washington Street Campus. Performances to be given Dec. 7-9 will start at 7:30 p.m. The run will be capped with a matinee beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (college or high school), senior citizens, and AC employees. They can be purchased online or at the door. Additionally, groups of 10 or more are entitled to $6 seats if purchased at least 24 hours in advance.

Because participation in the Theatre Arts Program is on the rise, Downs said understudies will be fully featured in one of the performances. Additionally, one community member, Carl Bourn, the father of AC actress Jaylin Hendrix, will play the role of Dr. John Buchanan, Sr.

“We’re all excited Carl has joined our cast for this. It just lends to our overall excitement,” Downs said.

Cast members are:

• Steve Parker as Reverend Winemiller
• Brionna Todd as Mrs. Winemiller
• Austin Pounds as John Buchanan, Jr.
• Gracie Richardson as Alma Winemiller
• AnnMarie Pulliam as Rosa Gonzalez
• Zoey Cain as Nellie Ewell
• Connor Frausto as Roger Doremus
• Carl Bourn as Dr. John Buchanan, Sr.
• Daniel Fernandez as Vernon
• Maggie Hall as Mrs. Bassett
• Jaylin Hendrix as Rosemary
• Declan Robledo as Dusty
• Alex Hernandez as Gonzalez
• Steven Nguyen as Archie Kramer

Understudies are:

• Daniel Fernandez as John Buchanan, Jr.
• Alyssa Jackson as Mrs. Winemiller
• Genesis Gutierrez as Rosa Gonzalez

Designers are:

• Josh Hodge - Stage Manager
• Kyle Roberson - Set Designer
• Emily Errington - Assistant Set Designer
• Hanin Eisawi - Costume Designer
• Blaiselynn Wedgeworth - Lighting Designer
• Braxton Cooksey - Assistant Light Designer
• Sarah Hope - Sound Designer
• Anessa Molina - Properties Designer
• Mattie Deleon - Front of House