ESU Theatre Presents 'The Glass Menagerie' by Tennessee Williams
Emporia, KS (04/09/2026) — Emporia State University Theatre presents "The Glass Menagerie," an American classic by Tennessee Williams on April 30 through May 3.
A faded remnant of Southern gentility, Amanda Wingfield lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son Tom and daughter Laura. Focused on securing their future but shattered by her husband's abandonment, Amanda collides with her children's dreams and ambitions. While Tom feels trapped by his life - seeking escape through alcohol and the movies - Amanda pressures her sensitive, physically handicapped daughter Laura to find a husband, crushing their relationship and Laura's fragile self-esteem.
As attentions turns to securing a suitor for Laura, Tom invites his acquaintance Jim to dinner, and the fine thread that connects dignity to desperation is pulled taut as their mother sees a possibility for her daughter. A drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty, "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the most famous plays of the modern theatre.
As an extra treat, all the glass figurines used in the stage production were created by ESU glass students and faculty. Plan to participate in a silent auction during the run of the show to secure an original piece of art. All proceeds will go to the ESU glass program.
Visit emporia.edu/tickets for reservations or additional information or call the box office at (620) 341-5256 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays with any questions. The show runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. Tickets will also be available at the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre Box Office one hour before the show.
The cast consists of Charlotte Proctor (Altoona, Iowa), Jarrett Davis (Rossville), JoyAnne Boutz (Topeka), Brennan Ryan (Emporia).
The production team includes Director Marah McFadden, Assistant Director Hannah Fee, Stage Manager Luis Rivera Rede (Liberal), Assistant Stage Manager Hannah Brean (Derby), Scenic Design / Technical Director Chris Lohkamp, Costume Design Chloe Eubanks (Emporia), Lighting / Sound Design Nic Wilson, Assistant Lighting Design Shaylan Haney (Gardner), Costume Shop Supervisor Kelsey Looney.
Also, Lightboard Operator Alex Knudsen (Branson, Missouri), Soundboard Operator Krais Baker (Yates Center), Wardrobe Crew Head Ross Owen (Huntsville, Missouri). Wardrobe Running Crew consists of Grace Sanders (Lawrence) and Jyck Green (Lenexa). The Deck Crew consists of Lizzy Thomas (St. Marys) and Kaycee Schulte (Derby).
Also, House Manager Tress Katzenmeier (Shawnee). Box Office Manager Eva Girard (Overland Park), Box Office Jordan Newland (Wichita), Costume Construction / Maintenance Nautianna Goforth (Humboldt), Scenic Painter Sam Haney (Larned). Scenic Carpenters consists of Matthew Womble (Sedalia), Danielle McClellan (Emporia), Riley Welter (Olathe).
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on April 30, May 1 and May 2 with a 2 p.m. matinee on May 3. All performances will be held in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Theatre, Roosevelt Hall, Emporia State University Campus. Visit emporia.edu/tickets and scroll down to "The Glass Menagerie" event for additional information and to order tickets.
About Emporia State Theatre
Emporia State University has one of the oldest and strongest theatre programs in the country, with well over 1,000 graduates. Many are working across the country in professional and academic theatre. At ESU, students can earn a BFA or BA in theatre, or gain certification to become a secondary teacher in the BSE program in speech and theatre. We are proud to be a part of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. ESU Theatre is an active participant of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
