One of the better actresses around town, who works with The Keegan Theatre, Sheri Herren, is the lead actress in a double-bill production at Gunston Arts Center in Arlington. The plays are 'Portrait of a Madonna' and 'Suddenly Last Summer,'both by Tennessee Williams. The first play, “Portrait of a Madonna” is about Lucretia, a proud, waning, Southern woman who has lost touch with reality. She is the basis for Blanche in Williams’ 'Streetcar Named Desire.' The second play, 'Suddenly Last Summer'features Herren as a matriarch, Mrs. Venable, who is in conflict with her late husband’s family. Herren is wonderful in each role---as the pathetic recluse in 'Portrait' and as the strong, older Mrs. Venable in 'Suddenly.' Marybeth Fritzkey as Mrs. Venable’s cousin, Catharine Holly, is riveting as she tells the mysterious story of Sebastian Venable. Mike Sherman, Scott Graham and Jewel Greenberg play different roles in both plays. Tim Lynch in “Portrait” and Kathryn Fuller in “Suddenly,”  effectively play sympathetic roles. Veteran director Leslie Kobylinski does a good job of running a smooth production. Two good Williams’ shows—not to be missed-- by The Keegan Theatre. --Rich Massabny 

 

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