Quote of the Day: Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going? Tennessee Williams 

Dustin Bronson as Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 3/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The play opens with Tom standing in front of an old-fashioned looking camera, cigarette in hand, eyes gazing off in the distance, then speaking directly into the camera to tell us, “I am both a character in this play and its reflective narrator.” The projections are fascinating. At first I wondered if they were pre-recorded. But, how could the actors duplicate those actions so precisely? Then, I saw it as a way of showing us the close-up of their actions, their eyes, hand movements, puffs of smoke. When they panned to the sound guy just below the stage and then scanned the audience, I knew, this was live camera work and a brilliant choice. I felt completely connected to this story from start to finish. It engages all the senses. 

Dustin Bronson as Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 3/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Dustin Bronson as Tom Wingfield is absolutely brilliant. He evokes such emotion as he looks thoughtfully out at the audience, at his family inside the frame of memory – of the stage, as he lets the smoke curl a little before he takes a step towards them, back into those moments. It’s fascinating to watch.

Norah Long as Amanda Wingfield and Amy Eckberg as Laura in The Glass Menagerie at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 3/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Norah Long plays the most sympathetic Amanda Wingfield that I’ve ever seen. She is often portrayed as overbearing, even uncaring, she drives her children. Long’s Amanda shows us that while she still tries to drive her children in the directions she feels they should go, she does it out of love, and a place of fear for their futures, and her own.

Amy Eckberg as Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 3/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Amy Eckberg is sweet as Laura, a difficult character to play, in my opinion. You need to give her energy as an actor, yet show how introverted she is. She is shy to the point of isolation. She longs for companionship, but is too afraid of seeking it out. She spends her days inside her own mind, safely inside her own house, making up stories about her Glass Menagerie. You just want to reach out your hand and help her, give her some confidence, tell her that she’s worthy. 

Brandon Brooks as Jim in The Glass Menagerie at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 3/1/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Brandon Brooks plays Jim, the long-awaited Gentleman Caller. He is kind and gentle and so in the moment with the family, especially Laura. He also has the role of Soundscape Artist. He is the guy sitting below stage with the filled water glasses, tiny xylophone, chimes, and several other foley style pieces that are pivotal in creating the atmosphere for this memory play. The glass harp, or musical glasses, effect gives an ethereal underscore for the events unfolding on stage. (Soundscape consultant Jason Hansen, Sound designer & original music Katharine Horowitz). The lighting, designed by Marcus Dilliard, is also critical to the overall effect of this theatrical experience. The framework around the stage was like a movie set. They also had the floorplan of the Wingfield’s apartment outlined in lights that changed. Scenic design by Joe Thomas Johnson.

Director Justin Lucero’s vision for this play is genius. He leans fully into the aspect that this is a memory play. Tom talks to us, to himself, and into the camera, which is present throughout the production. The projections behind the actors give it such intimacy. All the elements create a truly unique theatrical experience, lifting up this classic story that touches so many emotions. 

You can see The Glass Menagerie at Theater Latté Da through *March 1, 2026. Do not miss this one. 

*Just announced. Theater Latté Da announces the extension of Tennessee Williams’ American classic play The Glass Menagerie due to popular demand and will now play through March 8, 2026 at the Ritz Theater, 345 13th Avenue NE in Minneapolis.

“Seeing audiences so fully embrace the uniquely beautiful Glass Menagerie our cast and creative team has built means the world,” says Managing Director Elisa Spencer-Kaplan. “I am thrilled that more people will have the opportunity to experience this classic story told in a new way.”

“At Latté Da, we’re always inspired by classics that feel newly alive when viewed from different angles, and The Glass Menagerie is just such a piece,” states Justin Lucero. “By magnifying its poetic simplicity with live underscore and thoughtfully integrated video, we hope to illuminate why this story continues to resonate with audiences across generations.”

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What is a strong memory you have from childhood?