FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 29, 1999 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 DRAKE TO PRESENT 'A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE' On Thursday, Nov. 11, Drake University will open its production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams that has shocked and thrilled audiences since it opened on Broadway in 1947. "Streetcar" combines poetry and realism with memorable characters, said director and theatre arts professor William S.E. Coleman. There's Blanche DuBois who arrives in New Orleans to visit her sister, Stella, and her brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. Blanche's hope of finding a new future is destroyed as the reality of her past collides with Stanley's rampant materialism and sexuality. "Williams brilliantly explores Blanche's descent into madness when her illusions are confronted with Stanley's harsh brutality," Coleman said. "The play rises to high drama in a series of intense emotional confrontations. It is an unforgettable tragedy." Theatergoers will have the opportunity to learn more about the play at a TalkAbout sponsored by St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Student Center at Drake and Friends of Drake Arts. The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at St. Catherine's, across from Cowles Library at 28th Street and Brattleboro Avenue. There will be a "New Orleans" supper at 6 p.m., then professor Coleman will discuss the literary aspects of the play and Drake history professor Julian Archer will discuss the time in which the play was set. Separate reservations are required for both the TalkAbout and the play. TalkAbout tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and reservations are required. Call St. Catherine's at (515) 271-4747. Performances of "Streetcar" start at 8 p.m. Nov. 11, 12 and 13 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, in the Hall of Performing Arts, Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2.50 for senior citizens and students; and free with a Drake ID. For reservations, call the Drake Fine Arts Box Office at (515) 271-3841. There will also be a special high school matinee at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Admission is free and seating is limited. For reservations for the matinee, call (515) 271-2186.