Costa Mesa Playhouse — Attraction in Costa Mesa

Review: A Streetcar Named Desire at Costa Mesa Playhouse

Performance Date: March 19, 2022 Location: Costa Mesa Playhouse

Opening night at the Costa Mesa Playhouse for Tennessee Williams' classic, "A Streetcar Named Desire", proved to be a captivating experience for the sold-out audience. This intimate 73-seat theater, nestled at 661 Hamilton St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, has been a cornerstone of the community for over half a century, and it is clear why.

Despite the Playhouse’s modest dimensions, the set design was a masterclass in spatial utilization. The creative division of seen and unseen spaces was adeptly handled by the actors, who clearly delineated the “walls” for the audience. However, a revolving stage could enhance the dynamic of such performances. A dedicated prop master would also be beneficial, as leaving prop management to the actors increases their burden and, in some cases, affects the scene's realism—such as the slightly distracting crunch of "glass" underfoot during the battle scene. Adding some outdoor set decorations could have further imbued the stage with the essence of New Orleans and Louisiana, enhancing the overall ambiance.

The cast, boasting significant experience, delivered performances that were both powerful and nuanced. Angel Correa (Mitch) stood out, his portrayal a nuanced blend of grace, poise, and underlying volatility, providing a compelling counterbalance to Kendall Sinclair's powerhouse Blanche. Correa’s SAG-AFTRA credentials were evident in his skilled performance.

Supporting actors Brook Lewis and Steve Souza, as neighbors Steve and Eunice, effectively grounded the play in its period and setting. Their on-stage chemistry suggested a depth of familiarity, adding to the authenticity of their performances. Jeff Rollo Jr. (Stanley) was formidable in his role. His interpretation of Stanley’s bitterness and cruelty was riveting, making him an unforgettably imposing presence on stage.

Holly Seidcheck (Stella) provided a poignant foil to Sinclair's Blanche. Her interactions with Sinclair were dynamic, though a slight accent to match her sister’s would have added to the character's believability. While her energy sometimes waned, her overall performance was commendable.

Grayson Richmond (A Young Collector), LeAnn Russell (A Strange Woman), and Jeff Tierney (Pablo) rounded out the cast with solid, supportive performances. Their contributions added texture and depth to the production, and I look forward to seeing them in more prominent roles in future productions.

Kendall Sinclair, as Blanche, was the evening’s crowning jewel. Her portrayal was nothing short of superb, delivering her many monologues with a deftness and emotional depth that captivated the audience. Sinclair's accent was consistent and evocative, drawing comparisons to the Southern charm of Shelby in Steel Magnolias. She carried the weight of the play with a remarkable endurance, peeling back layers of Blanche’s complex character with each scene.

In conclusion, this production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Costa Mesa Playhouse was a triumph of community theater. If I were a local, I would eagerly anticipate future offerings from this talented troupe. For those in the area, this playhouse is a cultural gem not...

Fun Productions, great people to work with and a really nice theater. They do a lot with this little theater. It's a place to go and enjoy what our young people can do in the Arts. It's easy to get into the seats, their wide enough for even wide-bodies like mine and the sound system works pretty darn well. Sightlines are good, you can hear what everyone saying and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Join them for any of their shows. I have yet to see one that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. I am not saying they're the best productions you could ever see in the world, but you would have to admit that everyone on stage or that's helping the production is having fun. Ultimately, isn't that what it's all about. If you enjoyed my review, please LIKE me below and if you get a chance please RATE me. Thank you very much for your time and energy. Have a...

Little Shop of Horrors is outrageously funny! I saw the 1980's movie with Rick Moranis as Seymour and Ellen Greene as Audrey, plus Steve Martin as the dentist. The singing, acting, voiceovers and choreography was so professionally performed at the Costa Mesa Playhouse, that I swear I could hardly tell the difference from the movie rendition. Actually, the creative staging and puppetry in this stage play makes it my favorite choice overall. Kudos to the director and staff on such an excellent performance!

Oh, may I also add that this Sunday will be my third time in two weeks. I returned two additional times to bring my...