Tennessee Williams’s legacy continues to flourish in St. Louis, thanks to the vibrant Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. In this episode, we have a delightful chat with Carrie Houk, the mastermind behind the festival. She opens up about her journey from a small festival idea to creating one of the most prominent Tennessee Williams festivals in the United States. From panel discussions to performances, the festival offers a multifaceted approach to celebrating Williams's work, all while engaging the community in a fun and interactive way.

Carrie gives us a sneak peek into this year’s exciting lineup, including a collaboration with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, which will be staging a unique version of A Streetcar Named Desire in 2026. This partnership not only enhances the festival's offerings but also highlights the importance of collaboration in the arts. We also reveal one of the quirky events planned for the festival, like the Stella Shouting Contest, where participants can showcase their vocal prowess while paying homage to one of Williams's most famous characters.

Carrie’s journey is a reminder of the power of creativity and collaboration in the arts, and how festivals like this can breathe life into cultural legacies. So, whether you’re a die-hard Williams fan or just love a good story, tune in for an engaging conversation that celebrates the magic of theater and the joy of community!

[00:00] Introduction to Tennessee Williams St. Louis Festival

[00:55] Welcome and Show Introduction

[01:36] Interview with Carrie Houk Begins

[02:40] Highlights of the Festival Events

[03:04] Streetcar Named Desire and Collaborations

[06:03] Unique Festival Activities

[07:59] Central West End Walking Tour

[11:04] Scholars Panel and Tribute Performance

[13:05] Carrie Houk's Reflections and Future Plans

[16:13] Remarks and Acknowledgements about the Festival

[21:23] Sponsor Message and Dred Scott Heritage Foundation

[23:24] Tennessee Williams' Legacy in St. Louis

[24:34] Introduction to Camino Real

[25:02] Themes and Setting of the Play

[25:53] Discussion on Tennessee Williams' Perspective

[26:35] Calvary Cemetery and Historical Figures

[27:50] Thought to Ponder: Muhammad Ali's Wisdom

[30:24] Mental Floss: Literal Translations

[34:10] Days of the Day and National Celebrations

[35:37] Old Jokes and Final Thoughts

[39:09] Conclusion and Farewell

Takeaways:

• Tennessee Williams has a deep connection to St. Louis, which is celebrated at the annual Tennessee Williams Festival.
• The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis is celebrating its 10th anniversary with exciting events and productions this year.
• This year's festival includes a unique production of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' with a fresh perspective and new cast members.
• Attendees can look forward to fun activities like the Stella shouting contest to kick off the festival weekend.
• Festival founder Carrie Houk reflects on how the festival has grown and gained acclaim over the years, becoming a premier event in the U.S.
• The collaborative events with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis add a rich layer to the festival, highlighting Williams' influence on the arts.

Calendar

• Missouri History Museum Thursday Night Event: Thursday, July 31st from 6:30pm to 8:00pm (Happy Hour prior 5:30-6:30) Presented in collaboration with the Missouri History Museum and Opera Theatre Saint Louis.
• Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams: August 7-17th, 2025 (Thursday to Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm) The Grandel Theater
• Stella Shouting Contest: Friday, August 8th at 5:30pm, Courtyard at The Grandel
• Scholars Panel Curated by Tom Mitchell: Saturday, August 9th, The Grandel Theater

1. 9:00am Tennessee in St. Louis/Tennessee in New Orleans: Between 1938 and 1940
2. 10:00am Ten Years of Tennessee: A Conversation with Carrie Houk, Tom Mitchell, and Mark Charney
3. 11:00am Streetcar Adapted for Opera, Film, and Stage: Tennessee Williams’s great play has inspired adaptations in film, onstage, and in the opera.

• Austin Pendleton A Life in the Theatre: Saturday, August 9th at 2pm, The Grandel Theater
• Central West End Walking Tour Led by Tom Mitchell: Sunday, August 10th at 9am, The Link Auditorium
• Tennessee Williams Tribute Performance: Streetcar and Beyond: Sunday, August 10th at 7pm, The Grandel Theater

• Tennessee Williams Festival
• Facebook - Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis
• Instagram - Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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