As you take a journey with us through “Our Town,” there are a few things I would like to bring to your attention before we begin. At first glance, it might seem like our actors have forgotten - or we have neglected to provide - their stage properties and even set pieces. This is purely intentional, and is even called for by the playwright himself! One of the beauties of this production is its lack of extraneous items. Even the simple black set pieces are conscious design choices, as they draw the audience's focus to the actors. You should almost feel as if you are watching a polished rehearsal rather than a performance, due to the "bare bones" of the backdrops. Wilder has excluded anything that would take away from the relationships onstage and that would distract from the message of the performance. He has stripped away all unnecessary pieces in order to ensure that this is a story about people rather than things.
Secondly, we are pleased that you, our audience, are as close as you are. The intimate nature of this script works very nicely with a smaller performance space, and we hope that because of this you are better able to connect with the characters. Of course, we ask that you not abuse this close proximity by talking, using your phone, or otherwise distracting the actors. They have worked extremely hard to deliver to you this work of art, and the actors and your fellow audience members will be very pleased (and even give you a better performance!) if you allow them to do just that.
Lastly, we hope that you take some time to talk about the message of this play with those around you. Theatre is meant to inspire, to move, and to raise discussion about what it means to be human. What did you learn from it? What did it make you feel? Why did it make you feel that way? Which character could you most relate to, and why? What was the main idea that you took away from the show?
We have had such a wonderful and enjoyable time preparing this piece of theatre for you, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy it. This has been a true team effort, and I am grateful for all of the support shown by students and faculty to make this production happen. And of course, thank you for your support of these students and of the performing arts!
Roxie Hood,
Director
Act I
Grover's Corners, New Hampshire
May 7, 1901
Act II
Grover's Corners, New Hampshire
July 7, 1904
There will be a 10 minute intermission betwen Acts II and III.
Act III
A hilltop very near Grover's Corners
Summer, 1913
