13 Reasons Why Alum Brandon Flynn commands the stage as Marlon Brando

Brandon Flynn starred as Justin Foley on 13 Reasons Why for the show’s entire run. Justin is one of the series’ most dynamic and complex characters. Initially introduced as a popular high school athlete, he is Hannah Baker’s first crush and plays a pivotal role in her decision to create the tapes. His actions—specifically sharing an intimate photo of Hannah paired with a false narrative—set off the chain of events leading to her downfall.

13 Reasons Why is a gripping teen drama that explores the devastating effects of bullying, mental health struggles, and trauma through the lens of high school life. The story begins with Clay Jensen discovering a series of tapes recorded by his friend Hannah Baker, detailing the reasons she took her own life. As secrets unravel, the show delves into issues like sexual assault, substance abuse, and suicide, sparking important conversations about empathy and accountability.

The show aired on Netflix from 2017-2020 and also starred Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro and Alisha Boe.

From Screen To Stage

Flynn plays Marlon Brando, opposite Robin Lord Taylor (Gotham) as Tennesse Williams. The play takes place entirely in the playwright’s Provincetown beach house living room in 1947, where the pair meets for the first time. Brando has been sent to audition for the role of Stanley Kowalski in the famous Streetcar Named Desire, a role he would be cast in and arguably is most famous for.

The play opens as a 66-year-old Williams is interviewed on a talk show. He is asked about Marlon Brando, and the action reverts to the living room as a now 36-year-old man and his friend Margo, played by Alison Cimmet. Margo is reading Marlon’s new play and instantly falls in love with it. She thinks she will make an excellent director for the piece but is immediately informed that another director has been chosen. In the midst of that, Tennesse’s live-in-lover Pancho, played by Sebastian Treviño enters, and he and Williams get into an argument that has undertones of abuse. Once Pancho departs, Margo and Tennesse continue discussing the new show when, suddenly, the power goes out. It is soon restored, and Margo leaves to join Pancho. That is when the heart of the play starts beating.

Just after the power returns, Marlon Brando (Flynn) enters the house and startles Williams, who had wandered off to the bedroom. Tennesse is clearly charmed by and flirtatious with the young man, and the two begin discussing the role of Kowalski while Brando fixes the fuses, clogged toilet, and wobbly door. The charged back-and-forth goes on for the remainder of the play, during which Williams is both irritated by and intrigued by Brando.

Flynn and Taylor are formidable scene partners, making the show enjoyable. Brandon’s talent is on full display in the production, and it is hard to keep your eyes off him because he commands the play. Taylor infuses Tennessee Williams with a wide range of emotions throughout the play. The play never feels slow or dragging on because of the chemistry between Flynn and Taylor.

Kowalski will be playing at The Duke on 42nd Street until February 23, 2025. The show has a run time of just under 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased here.