Together in tough time

The Permian Playhouse’s upcoming show "The Glass Menagerie" has a lot of parallels with today’s world, particularly with the economic conditions.

"It’s really a show that people can relate to because everyone is struggling in some way it seems," assistant Playhouse director Sheri Fincher said.

The play by Tennessee Williams is set in the 1930s and is based around a family with a single mother struggling to keep her family intact in the midst of a threat of war and harsh economic conditions.

"It reflects life in poverty," Fincher said.

All of the play takes place in the family’s apartment and highlights how the family comes together even with the hardest of times.

"Lots of deeper meanings are involved. Some people say it’s depressing, but I think it inspires hope," she said.

Cole Thomas Carter plays Jim O’Connor, a friend of the family. He said this is the first show he has ever been involved in at the Playhouse, and he is hooked.

"Working with this cast has been amazing," he said.

Kathy York Hollmann plays Amanda Wingfield, the single mother.

"This is a dysfunctional family. It’s great," she said.

She said she enjoyed the play as a young girl and wanted it to end differently at the time.

"The story is written so beautifully, with very complicated characters just like real life," Hollmann said.

Alison Montgomery, who said she grew up with the Kaleidoscope Company, plays daughter Laura in the play. Montgomery moved to the nation’s capital during college, but now she’s back.

"This seemed like a good opportunity to get back involved in theater," Montgomery said. "It’s a very poignant play that tugs at your heart and reaches the audience on a different level."

She said she is glad the Playhouse is putting on the show.

"It’s so exciting to show this in Odessa," Montgomery said.

CAST

>> Charles Browning: Tom Wingfield, Amanda’s son.

>> Cole Thomas Carter: Jim O’Connor, a fellow worker of Tom and would-be suitor for Laura.

>> Kathy York Hollmann: Amanda Wingfield, a single mother whose husband left her 15 years ago.

>> Alison Montgomery: Laura Wingfield, Amanda’s daughter. She is partially crippled.

IF YOU GO

>> What: Permian Playhouse performance of "The Glass Menagerie."

>> When: 8 p.m. Feb. 12, 13, 19 and 20; and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and Feb. 21.

>> Where: Permian Playhouse, 310 W. 42nd St.

>> Tickets: $10.

>> Call: 362-2329.