Thomas “Tennessee” Williams was born in March 1911—which means we’re on the cusp of his birthday centennial. Salt Lake Community College’s Grand Theatre kicks off a series of planned events with a production of Williams’ breakthrough play, the 1944 semi-autobiographical work The Glass Menagerie.

The story unfolds as a recollection by Tom Wingfield of his young life in the American South with his sister, Laura, and his mother (talented Utah actress Jayne Luke), who was abandoned by their father to years of financial struggle. But there at least may be hope for Laura in Tom’s successful friend, who could be the match they all want for her.

Special events for the centennial include a guest lecture by Williams scholar Margaret Bradham Thornton on Jan. 27, and an audience talk-back on Jan. 29. And watch for the Grand’s production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in April. (Scott Renshaw)

The Glass Menagerie @ Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State, 801-957-3322, Jan. 19-Feb. 5, $8-$24. The-Grand.org