Little Theatre of Fall River presents Thornton Wilder's 'Our Town'

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FALL RIVER — The Little Theatre of Fall River is proud to present "Our Town," Thornton Wilder’s classic story of life in small-town America.

The show opens on Feb. 2 and runs through Feb. 12, and tickets are available online at littletheatre.net.

It is felt that Wilder “…wanted us to open our eyes to the way we are living, and help us to appreciate every moment of our lives. Through 'Our Town,' he attempted to give the world a new perspective on life,” Little Theatre said in a press release. And that he did. The play opened to RAVE reviews on Broadway, and Wilder won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Our Town."

The Webb and Gibbs families, left to right: Morgan Salpeitro, Cheryl Field, Nishan Lawton, Kenny Bennell,  Abiageal Murphy, Judy Hemingway Rapoza, and Grant Willis.
The Webb and Gibbs families, left to right: Morgan Salpeitro, Cheryl Field, Nishan Lawton, Kenny Bennell, Abiageal Murphy, Judy Hemingway Rapoza, and Grant Willis.

Kathy Castro, "Our Town’s" director, feels this is the perfect time to explore the changes left by the effects of COVID.

“Just picture yourself three years ago, and think about how different things were. While much has been lost, one of the good things that came out of the ‘plague’ was time — time to stop and think; time to look around and appreciate each other more. Time to dream new dreams — all the lessons of 'Our Town,'” Castro said in a press release.

Dennis Robinson as the Stage Manager/Narrator.
Dennis Robinson as the Stage Manager/Narrator.

The LTFR production stars Dennis Robinson as the Stage Manager/Narrator. Robinson is a well-known area actor who was recently a member of the cast of "White Christmas" at Festival Theater in New Bedford. Also starring are Morgan Salpietro and Kenny Bennell as Emily Webb and George Gibbs, young lovers in this tight-knit New Hampshire community of Grover’s Corner. Nishan Lawton and Cheryl Field play Mr. and Mrs. Webb and Grant Willis and Judy Hemingway Rapoza play Doctor and Mrs. Gibbs.

George Gibbs, played by Kenney Bennell, with his sister Rebecca,  played by Abiageal Murphy, as they study the moon.
George Gibbs, played by Kenney Bennell, with his sister Rebecca, played by Abiageal Murphy, as they study the moon.

Rounding out the cast are: Ann Flynn, Al Deston III, Malique Jelks, Ron Caisse, Abiageal Murphy, Garrett Morgan, Sam Memery, Bob Gillet, Jerry Larkin, and David Faria.

Doc and Mrs. Gibbs: Grant Willis and Judy Hemingway Rapoza.
Doc and Mrs. Gibbs: Grant Willis and Judy Hemingway Rapoza.

Serving with Castro on the production team are Bob Gillet as the stage and prop manager, with Ron Caisse as asst. stage manager; Roberto Santo Christo Soares, set designer; David Mello, graphic designs; Kim Macomber, Pat Taylor, Aaron Gendreau-Visco, and Trisha Cabral, costume designers; and David Faria, lighting designer.

Emily Webb, played by Morgan Salpietro, and George Gibbs, played by Kenny Bennell, with Abiageal Murphy playing Rebecca Gibbs.
Emily Webb, played by Morgan Salpietro, and George Gibbs, played by Kenny Bennell, with Abiageal Murphy playing Rebecca Gibbs.

Performances are at the Little Theatre Firebarn Theatre for two weekends — Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 2 to 12. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

The Firebarn is located at 340 Prospect St. and is handicapped-accessible, with ample parking in the area.

Single tickets are $25, with group discounts of $5 per ticket for 20 or more. All tickets must be purchased online at littletheatre.net.

"Our Town" is sponsored by Bank5.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: "Our Town" at Little Theatre of Fall River runs Feb. 2 through 12