THE MENAGERIST – Created by the Buntport Theater Company and Regan Linton. Produced by the Buntport Theater Company (717 Lipan, Denver) through March 29th. Tickets available at buntport.com.
Tennessee Williams wrote THE GLASS MENAGERIE in 1944; Buntport Theater Company rewrote it in 2025. The usual gang of Erik, Hannah, Brian, Erin, and SamAnTha were joined for this sojourn into the ridiculous by Regan Linton, the well-known and talented actress associated for years with the best works of Phamaly, the theatre by and for the differently-abled. It’s good to see her back in town.
Other than telling you it’s another one of Buntport’s deep dives into a classic piece of literature to present a different take (in this case, several different takes) on a familiar story. We have seen them dismantle Don Quixote, Moby Dick, Titus Andronicus, the Odyssey, even Hamlet. What made us think Tennessee Williams would be safe? Tom, the older brother with wonderlust is played by Erik Edborg with a sardonic edge and an overload of message tee shirts. The winsome and wistful mother Amanda has her lines drawled out by Hannah Duggan in a housedress. Jim, the gentleman caller on Laura, features a puzzled Brian Colonna. The interchanges of dialogue happening between Laura, the down-to-earth daughter, are given a thoughtful treatment by guest artist Regan Linton and one of her personal menagerie of glass animals brought to bigger than life portrayal by class clown Erin Rollman in a white body suit, hoof-like shoes and a plastic unicorn floatie with horns. She has a smart mouth answer for every question brought forth and disdain for every other character. You’ll never be able to see a legit performance of THE GLASS MENAGERIE again.
To try to explain or find the logic in nearly any Buntport show is an exercise in futility. They move so fast with so many twists and turns in so many unexpected directions that if you were trying to take notes or chart the progress of the story, you’d miss too much. You just open your eyes, ears, and heart to what they bring to you – their facile humor, their knowledge of the subject matter, their unique point(s) of view, their willingness to do or say (or wear or not) anything to tell their story and their collective intelligence.
Because Sam is not on stage, her contribution to the evening is often overlooked. But she is an integral part of the company, bringing forth exactly the right lighting effect and sound cue at exactly the right time. These technical enhancements add brilliance and humor to every production. The show would not be the same without quiet Sam sitting in the booth pushing the buttons that make the show come alive.
It takes someone with an equally quick mind to fit into and contribute to a Buntport production – to the point, that they semi-rarely invite the participation of others. But Regan proved herself up to and adding to the frivolity. With her help, they engrained a message about the plight of any-abled actors getting roles that suit them and for which they can bring new perspectives. Welcome back, Regan.
You’ve only got a couple of weeks left. Get on this!!
A WOW factor of 8.75!!