"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"

February 7, 2016 — It was an ambitious undertaking for the Winni Players Community Theatre, but they proved themselves up to the daunting taak in every respect in their performance of the Tennessee Williams classic, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Directed by Susanna Brent at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith, New Hampshire, the intense drama held the audience's rapt attention for nearly three hours, including two brief intermissions.

On Big Daddy's 65th birthday, the Mississippi plantation owner's family has gathered to celebrate. Son Brick and his wife, Maggie, his other son Gooper and wife Mae and their five children (a sixth on the way) are all present. The family has lifted a great weight from Big Daddy and his wife, Big Mama, by informing them Big Daddy's exploratory surgery and battery of tests have found no evidence of the cancer they feared. But are they being truthful?

Over the course of one evening, old resentments and bad feelings boil to the surface. Alcoholic Brick, hobbled by a broken ankle, drowns his sorrows over his lost youth, football prowess, and death of a close male friend with whom he may or may not have had a gay relationship. Brick sleeps separately on the sofa, ignoring Maggie's endless tirades against his drinking and neglect. Big Daddy, loud and abusive, takes out his rage on everyone, especially Big Mama who tries unsuccessfully to appease him. Gooper, a successful lawyer, barely hides his contempt for his father and brother. Mae and Maggie engage in catty and sarcastic exchanges.

As he often does, Winni regular Ray Dudley steals the show with his thunderous portrayal of the explosive Big Daddy. You can't help but sympathize with the abused Big Mama as portrayed by Barbara Webb. Jamie M. Clavet is perfectly cast as the sexy, neglected Maggie. David T. Bleiler in many ways has the most challenging role as the heavy-drinking, depressed Brick. Connor D'Heilly and Margaret Lundberg are excellent as Gooper and Mae. Several supporting actors and five delightful children round out the cast in this, one of the best community players groups in New Hampshire, or anywhere else.