*A Streetcar Named Desire/Suzy Gorman*
A Streetcar Named Desire St. Louis 2025 is taking center stage this summer as part of the 10th anniversary of the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis. The festival will feature a full production of Williams’ iconic play, directed by acclaimed theater artist Austin Pendleton, from August 7–17, 2025, at The Grandel.
This year’s theme, “Streetcar & Beyond,” expands beyond the play itself to celebrate the broader legacy of Tennessee Williams. Festivalgoers can expect a range of events, including:
- Walking tours of the Central West End, where Williams once lived
- Panel discussions with scholars about the enduring themes of A Streetcar Named Desire
- A “Stella!” shouting contest, nodding to the play’s most famous scene
- A tribute performance involving collaboration with local arts institutions such as the Opera Theatre of St. Louis
The mainstage cast includes Beth Bartley as Blanche DuBois, Todd D’Amour as Stanley Kowalski, and Isa Venere as Stella. Pendleton’s direction promises a contemporary lens on this emotionally charged classic, emphasizing the raw vulnerability and timeless resonance in Williams’ storytelling.
According to Carrie Houk, Executive Artistic Director of the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, this year’s celebration highlights not just the brilliance of Streetcar, but also Williams’ unique connection to the city. “Tennessee Williams offers deep insights into the human condition and our ongoing need for connection and kindness in a complicated world,” she said.
The festival also includes an academic exploration of the playwright’s life. Tom Mitchell, a noted scholar and editor of Early Stories by Tennessee Williams, will speak about Williams’ early years in Missouri. His book includes newly uncovered stories set in St. Louis and other parts of Missouri, offering fresh context to Williams’ creative evolution.
Content for this summary was derived from St Louis Magazine
