Gay playwright Tennessee Williams would have been 100 years old this month. Just in time to honor that milestone comes the play “Confessions of a Nightingale.” It’s directed by Patrick McColery and stars Sid Shier, both of whom are gay.
The play, based on Charlotte Chandler’s interviews with Williams for the book “Ultimate Seduction,” takes places in 1983 near the end of Williams’ life. According to Shier, it’s basically a conversation with the audience about Williams’ life, his relationships (Williams never hid the fact that he was gay) and his career, including his successes and failures.
“He was very complex,” says the actor, who shares the common sentiment that most of Williams’ great work was done early in his career.