Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is the Pulitzer Prize winning drama by celebrated American playwright, Tennessee Williams. Set in the Mississippi Delta plantation home of a wealthy cotton tycoon (“Big Daddy”), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof examines the relationships among members of the tycoon’s family and centers on the conflict between his son, Brick and Brick’s wife, Margaret (aka Maggie the Cat). This play remains one of William’s best known works and is widely acknowledged as the playwright’s personal favorite. This controversial and heated drama explores many taboos of mid-century America, including sexuality and greed.
The majority of the cast have long resumes as local favorites, having been featured on the stages of central Oklahoma for several years. Crystal Ecker, aka “Maggie the Cat” is most recognizable as the Red Carpet Car Wash “Maid for your Car” spokesperson. New to local stages is Marty Rogers as “Brick”, a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, and Brandon Nalley as “Reverend Tooker,” a recent graduate of University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Both former students represent the finest talent coming out of our state universities.
To get to know more about Reduction Theatre’s production, Managing Director, Erin Woods, gives some insight to their challenges, unique aspects, and why you should see it.
What five words would you use to describe Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?
Sultry, raw, sexy, honest, biting
What are some unique aspects for your version?
“Our intimate take on this American classic – Producing Tennessee Williams is down-right magical.”Our intimate take on this American classic – Producing Tennessee Williams is down-right magical. His scripts are so vibrant and expressive; all you need is on the page, in the language. The show is staged in a single bedroom- the bedroom of “Brick” and “Maggie” on a hot Mississippi evening in 1955. With Wiliiams’ work, the location, the time of day is like its own character. The setting is as brutal and honest as the characters in the play, but also representational and dream-like in many respects. Because time and place are vital to the script, we perform the play with nods to the original productions 1950s productions of this play: the scenic design is very simple: in many ways representational rather than realistic.
What was the biggest challenge with this production?
Touring this production has been terrific, but touring a main-stage production, with a full set, several props, etc. is something we have not done in a while, so it took a bit to get our “sea legs” again. That said, we are so honored for the privilege to perform at these two prestigious venues.
What scenes or moments stand out to you that make the play worth showing to people?
I love the moments in the show where director Terry Veal has developed moments of atmosphere off stage or in the background. But choosing highlights is tough, because the flow of the show is really important: in other words, I can’t chose.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” contains adult situations and language. The play is recommended for adults and students thirteen (13) years and older.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Performance Dates & Times
At the Civic Center Music Hall
June 5-13
Friday, June 5 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 6 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 7 @ 2:00 pm
Thursday, June 11 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, June 12 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 13 @ 8: 00 pm
Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC), OCCC
June 19-27
Friday, June 19 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 20 @ 8: 00 pm
Sunday, June 21 @ 2:00 pm
Thursday, June 25 @ 8: 00 pm
Friday, June 26 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 27 @ 8:00 pm
Tickets*
$25 for adults, $22 for seniors and military, $18 for students under 25-years-old with I.D.
Tickets are available for purchase at:
The Civic Center Box Office
405.297.2264 or okcciviccenter.com/boxoffice.
The Civic Center Music Hall is located at 201 N. Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
The Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater Box Office (on the OCCC Campus)
Phone: 405-682-7579 or occc.edu
Oklahoma City Community College is located at 7777 South May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73159.
*Box Office fees may apply
