Students and area residents will soon have a chance to support the local arts as the Highland Theatrical Company offers performances of A Streetcar Named Desire.
The show opens Feb. 1 and is scheduled to play on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month, ending on March 9.
The cast includes Mark Poremba as Stanley Kowalski; Stephanie Sherwood as Stella Kowalski; Kristin Bailey as Blanche Dubois; Dee Bailey as Mitch; Tom Koehler as Pablo; Chrissie Sullins as Eunice; Jeremy High as Steve; and Mary Frances McCrary as the nurse.
Ticket prices start at $30 per person and include dinner, the show and sales tax.
“Reservations are the best way because shows do sell out,” said Jeremy High, managing director and actor. “Without reservations, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a place.” High went on to say that the experience of having dinner and seeing a play is unique.
“If you give it a try, you’ll definitely enjoy it,” he said.
A Streetcar Named Desire tells the story of a beautiful girl betrayed by love. Tormented by a tragic marriage and the small town scandals of her past, Blanche DuBois flees to New Orleans to seek refuge with her sister, Stella. Conflict erupts, however, when Stella’s husband, Stanley, exposes Blanche’s past and forces her to confront the life she has led.
The play has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics Award.
It was also made into a motion picture starring Marlon Brando.
This is the first performance of A Streetcar Named Desire by the Highland Theatrical Company.
According to High, it is important for students to attend for a number of reasons.
“First, supporting the arts in our area is a very worthy cause. Second, this is a classic, and to see this performance will open your horizons to culture in general,” he said.
Highland Theatrical Company also offers programs on Wednesday and Thursday nights. “On Wednesdays we have our ‘On Stage Audition,'” High said. “It consists mostly of musicians now, and it’s on an as-you-come basis. It ends with an open jam session which is really fun.”
Thursday nights feature the best in live music from local, regional and national acts. “It’s like a small concert venue,” High said.
Highland Theatrical Company is located at 215 E. Main St. in Downtown Johnson City. For more information, or to make reservations, call 434-9994.

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