Whenever anyone attempts a faithful revival of an esteemed classic, the first question that arises is whether the new production does the play justice. The second follows close behind: Does it bring something new to the picture? The answer to both questions in the glorious production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, now at Barrington Stage Company, is a resounding yes. Indeed, this interpretation, under Julianne Boyd's respectful direction, argues for Streetcar's eminence as the play of the 20th Century.

Many an actress has foundered in the role of Streetcar's protagonist, Blanche DuBois. If one makes her too manipulative, she forfeits sympathy; yet if she's too fragile, th[...]