What led Tennessee Williams to become the most groundbreaking and unique playwright of the twentieth century? TENNESSE RISING: THE DAWN OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS explores the formative six-year period from 1939-1945 in which an unknown writer named Tom metamorphosizes into the acclaimed playwright known as Tennessee. The solo play brings these unknown years center stage as the audience becomes friend and confidant to young Williams as he experiences the unexpected highs and devastating lows of his early career, wherein his most iconic character emerges: himself. A one man show written and performed by Jacob Storms. Directed by Alan Cumming.