Small-town America takes center stage with Franklin Regional production of 'Our Town'

Apr. 28—Declan Van Soest is used to playing characters with a lot more funny lines.

"It's definitely the most philosophical role I've ever had," Van Soest, 17, said of his role as the stage manager in the Franklin Regional Thespians' upcoming production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town."

Written in 1938, it won a Pulitzer Prize and is considered by many to be one of the greatest American plays. It presents the fictional town of Grover's Corners, N.H., and lives of the people living there, with a theme of embracing and appreciating the value of everyday life.

For Van Soest, a senior at Franklin Regional, it's a bigger challenge than he's used to.

"I've usually played more comic characters, and this is a little deeper and more thought-provoking," he said. "I was one of the T-Birds gang in (Franklin Regional's spring musical production of) 'Grease,' and I liked that as well, but this is a little more of an exercise in acting."

The play itself has several meta-theatrical aspects. As the stage manager, Van Soest sets the play in the actual theater where it is being performed and directly addresses the audience.

"Some of these actors have only ever done comedies," director and Thespian Club adviser Richard Sunny said. "So this was a new experience. My hope is that it's allowed them to grow as actors and see a different way to play a character."

For senior Natalie Warnack, playing characters based more in reality has been easier.

"My role is my personality, but taken back in time 100 years," said Warnack, 17, who portrays the gossip-prone Louella Soames. "I feel like I'd be that person."

Senior Liam Rhea plays Simon Stimson, a church organist, choir director and the object of gossip among town residents.

"I feel like I was definitely typecast," Rhea said. "Some moments here feel a lot more natural than in other shows we've done."

Both Rhea and Warnack said being part of the Thespians club has been a great experience.

"Everyone gets to know one another really well, because it's a much smaller cast than the musicals," Warnack said. "We all have a really good relationship with Mr. Sunny, and he helps make the whole process less stressful."

Rhea agreed.

"Mr. Sunny is great at finding roles for people," he said. "When I joined last fall, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it this much. Everyone can find a place in it."

"Our Town" will be at 7:30 p.m. May 5 and 6 with a 2 p.m. matinee May 7, in the auditorium at Franklin Regional Senior High School, 3200 School Road in Murrysville. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter .