Main Street Theater in Belton, on the historic old City Hall stage, 510 Main Street, announces the summer dramatic play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. The play was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for the Best Play of the 1954-55 season. Audiences are more familiar with the 1958 film featuring Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor and Burl Ives. The story takes place in a plantation house in the Mississippi Delta, where life seems idyllic as the family celebrates Big Daddy’s 65th birthday. As the night wears on, more and more secrets are revealed and the family slowly unravels.
Adult themes in the film were not fully portrayed due to movie standards of the 1950s. Alcoholism, infidelity, homosexuality, and values regarding cancer patients feed into the story as the play continues.
Artistic director Pam Powell has wanted to produce this play since the theater’s inception. “I believe that both our actors and our patrons are ready” to see this sordid family story play out, she said.
The story continues Main Street Theater’s tradition of featuring plays about families in June. Previous plays have ranged from the comedic Arsenic and Old Lace and the poignant On Golden Pond to the beautiful Trip to Bountiful.
Reservations are strongly suggested. Call 816-406-9422 to reserve seats. The play runs June 7–23. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm.