Masterpiece Theater

A lesser-known masterpiece by vaunted playwright Tennessee Williams, Eccentricities of a Nightingale opens on Tuesday (April 12) on the Lupin Theater stage for seven performances. Set just before World War I, the drama by the Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance follows Alma Winemiller, the eccentric daughter of the town minister.

Director Shad Willingham, center, talks with his cast members on stage. A visiting assistant professor in theater and dance, he also directed last year's production of Lend Me a Tenor, which recently won a Gambit Big Easy Award.

Allison DeDecker plays the lead role of Alma Winemiller in the production.

Michael Smith, right, as the Rev. Winemiller, talks with his wife, played by Kate Palmer, about holding onto the past.

Dan Iwrey, playing John Buchanan Jr., is confronted by his love interest, Allison DeDecker, as Alma Winemiller.

Shannon March, left, cast in the motherly role of Mrs. Buchanan, washes the feet of Dan Iwrey, who plays her son, John Buchanan Jr.

Ofir Caspi, left, and Mary Schneider, center, enact a scene at a meeting of the town's misfits.

Allison DeDecker, right, addresses the misfits meeting including actors Will Sampson, left, and Dan Iwrey, center.