Nothing says summer in New Orleans like frozen daiquiris, relaxing in the courtyard garden, and salacious scandal. You get all this and more in Riot King’s production of Tennessee Williams’ Suddenly Last Summer. Directed by Kathleen Welch, this play is a nail-biter from the first moment to the last. Stellar performances and well-composed design makes Suddenly Last Summer a not-to-be-missed experience.

Suddenly Last Summer is a glimpse into the life of a well-off family who lives in the Garden District of New Orleans. We learn that the matriarch of this family has recently lost her beloved, and only, son to mysterious circumstances. The only one who witnessed this death is his cousin and recent companion, who is now thought to have been driven mad by the incident. As more facts are uncovered about the death, we begin to understand the lengths this family is willing to go to protect itself. I was surprised by how detailed the most horrifying bits were; I know Williams can have a dark side, but I was amazed at how dark this play gets. My mouth must have been agape for a good portion of the ninety minute show, just bewildered by the stories these characters were relating. Suddenly Last Summer is not quite a horror, but certainly a thriller and will keep you right on the edge of your seat.

Elaine Lindo and Ryan Iwanicki. Photo by Danielle Thorn.

The way that Welch and set/lighting designer Brendan Kinnon brought so much nature and greenery into the studio at 61 Elm Grove creates the perfect atmosphere for the production. Having just been to New Orleans in March, I was immediately transported to my favourite courtyard spots to relax and enjoy a meal. The way they incorporated the window referenced in the text by using a lace curtain was ingenious. Paired with beautiful period costuming, you’d swear you were in the sunny south (minus the oppressive humidity, thankfully).

L-R: Elaine Lindo, Shadan Rahbari, and Brendan Kinnon. Photo by Danielle Thorn.

Suddenly Last Summer has an impressive cast with some truly outstanding performances. Lindsey Middleton’s Catherine Holly is spectacular; her physicality brings an authenticity and compassion to her character while her talent shines through each word spoken. She had me hanging on every word of her story, dying to know what was going to happen next. The way that she becomes more unhinged as the story progresses in this slow descent towards impending madness is masterfully done. Elaine Lindo plays Violet Venable, the matriarch of the family. Lindo brings elegance to the role, and her delivery of these heavily detailed monologues is incredible. Ryan Iwanicki, Carling Tedesco, and Brendan Kinnon all give excellent performances and make their mark in this story, being vibrant and active in their scenes. Rounding out the cast are Jobina Sitoh and Shadan Rahbari who likewise give great performances throughout the production.

This production is on a very limited run with most night sold out or close to it, so make sure you snap up your tickets before someone else (or that nasty Venus fly trap in the garden) does. You won’t want to miss this spine-tingling show! For more information and tickets, visit: https://m.bpt.me/event/6058056

Cover photo of Jobina Sitoh and Lindsey Middleton by Danielle Thorn.

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