three by tennessee
Written by Tennessee Williams; Directed Cyndy A. Marion & Yonatan Esterkin
The Players, 16 Gramercy Park South, NYC 10003
April 16 & 17th
Photo credit: John Robert Hoffman
Walking into The Players is always a nostalgic experience for me. I’ve been attending events at this historic venue since I was a wide-eyed theatre student at Baruch College, starting at just 18 years old. From industry gatherings to quick bites in between shows, to stepping onto that storied stage myself — every visit feels like a homecoming. So, returning to see Three by Tennessee, produced by White Horse Theatre Company, was both a trip down memory lane and a theatrical treat.
The production is set against the original wood paneling of The Players' intimate theatre, anchored by its crest and a painting of a saint — a timeless backdrop that lends itself perfectly to Tennessee Williams' world. The evening features three short plays: The Lady of Larkspur Lotion, Something Unspoken, and At Liberty — each distinct in tone and texture, yet bound by Williams’ signature exploration of desire, delusion, and the fragility of human connection.
All three one-acts build on the theme of fragile truths — the lies we tell ourselves and others in order to survive. Cyndy A. Marion and Yonatan Esterkin thoughtfully connect the three pieces — not only through tone and pacing, but through a shared emotional through line that highlights Williams’ fascination with longing, illusion, and survival.
The Lady of Larkspur Lotion
Set in a dilapidated boarding house in the French Quarter, The Lady of Larkspur Lotion introduces us to Mrs. Hardwicke-Moore, a delusional tenant played by Laura Fay Lewis. Lewis plays Mrs. Hardwicke-Moore with delirious defiance, embodying a woman clinging to fantasy with theatrical flair. Her landlady, Mrs. Wire (Nancy Wolf), has no time for it. Enter resident writer (Michael Wiener) whose wry, grounded performance brings balance and humor to the chaos. The 10-minute scene is a darkly comedic snapshot of broken people and the beautiful lies that keep them afloat.
Something Unspoken
Typically paired with Suddenly Last Summer, this play invites us into the home of Miss Cornelia Scott, who awaits news of her appointment as president of the local Daughters of the Confederacy chapter. Linda S. Nelson’s portrayal of Miss Cornelia Scott is elegantly commanding and at times restraine. Her poise masking a storm of unspoken longing. Opposite her, Laura Siner gives a subtly expressive performance as Grace Lancaster, her long-time secretary of 15 years. Their relationship — fraught with emotional repression, power imbalance, and a deep, unspoken affection — unfolds across a single room filled with tension. While the psychological stakes are clear, I found myself yearning for more physical movement to match the intensity simmering beneath the surface.
At Liberty
In the final piece, we meet Gloria La Greene, a once-successful actress returning to her childhood home after a downturn in her career. Margaret Curry gives a raw, emotionally exposed performance, capturing the desperation of a woman caught between memory and reality. After a night out with “Not Mr. Nice Guy,” Gloria spars with her mother (Leslie Alexander), who offers a subtle, heartfelt performance, anchoring the scene with maternal concern and wearied love. It’s a poignant, tightly paced closing to the evening.
Each play stood firmly on its own, yet together formed a cohesive and emotionally layered evening. Thoughtful lighting and clever use of entrances throughout the space added fluidity and intimacy. The running crew doubled as scene-setters, blending backstage with onstage action. The sound design (Andy Evan Cohen) was subtle but effective, underscoring emotional beats and transitions without ever distracting from the performances. The simple yet effective set design (Andis Gjoni) allowed the actors and language to take center stage — and I must give a special nod to the piano, which had its own moment to shine. The costume design (Derek Nye Lockwood), with a spotlight on vintage dressing gowns, was both elegant and evocative. (I want all of them.)
This Three by Tennessee is a loving and honest portrait of Williams’ women — fragile, fierce, and holding fast to whatever truth they can manage.
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Malini Singh McDonald.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on April 17th, 2025. All rights reserved