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Past Shows...
Our Town... June 18,19,20 & 21, 1998
Director - Danny Grider
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 As we approach the turn of the century, we marvel at the rapid advances that have changed our lives - computer, satellite and transportation innovations.
But for all the changes, we basically live our lives the same - we live, we celebrate joy and commiserate with sorrow, and eventually, we die.
It was the same at the turn of the century in the early 1900's, which is why Thornton Wilder's play "Our Town" is still relevant today.
Spanning several years during the early 1900's, the town in question, Grovers Corners, N.H., also sees changes; the people begin "locking their doors at night", according to the "state manager", who sets up the scenes in the three act play.
George Russell portrays the stage manager, who talks directly to the audience, imparting information as well as posing questions. He asks audience members to find similarities between their town and "Our Town". Russell's tone and delivery sets the stage for the serious, sentimental and sometimes silly actions of the townsfolk.
Among the townsfolk are the doctor and his family and the newspaper editor and his family
 Dr. Frank Gibbs is palyed by Danny Grider, who is also director for the production. His family includes his wife, Julia Gibbs, played by Margo McCoy, his son, George, played by Josh Haag, and is younger daughter, Rebecca Gibbs, played by Joycelyn Miller.
The Editor of the twice weekly Grovers Corders Sentinel is Charles Webb, played by Jim Wolfe, and his wife, Myrtle Webb, played by Renee Miller. Their two children are Emily Webb, played by Marie Boian, and Wally Webb, played by Luke Cleary.
While the play mainly focuses on the love growing between George Gibbs and Emily Webb, who interact very well together, there are a number of scenes between the husbands and wives, foreshadowing the fact that times change, but the need for family and companionship stays the same.
While discussing their son's approaching marriage, Julia Gibbs says to her husband that she fears the couple is too young. But in nearly the same breath , she says she understands their need to be together. "Taint natural to be alone. We're meant to live two by two in the world."
 In addition to the stage manager drawing in the audience, there is also a unique sound effect track that helps bring the scenes alive. The sounds are striking because this play calls for very few props, most actions that would involve props are pantomimed.
"We were able to purchase a tape of sound effects, which is a copy of the sound effects used in Thornton Wilder's original play, " said Grider. There is also a new computerized lighting system that allows for several special visual effects. Other cast members are: paper boys Joe and Si Crowell, played by Patrick Christopher and Matt Sidfrids, respectively; milk man Howie Newson played by Seth Augsburger; Tom Ramseyer as Professor Willard; Henry Moen as the church organist/town drunk; Connie Grider as Luelle Soames; Ken McComas as Constable Warren; Rubye Russell as Francis Craig; and undertaker Joe Stoddard, played by Matt Giordano. The "lady on the left," is played by Falynne Klein, while the "lady on the right," is played by Karen Moen.
Producers are Jimmie Ramsey and Connie Grider. |
Pontiac Daily Leader, June 18, 1998 - Story by Lois Westermeyer - Leader Community Editor
Photos provided by AccessPontiac
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