A timeless drama of life, 'Our Town' comes to Springfield

Thornton Wilder’s most frequently performed play “Our Town” is the timeless drama of life in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. It first appeared on Broadway in 1938 and won the Pulitzer Prize. It explores themes of the simplicity of American life and life itself, love and family, and the cyclical nature of humanity. But the Hoogland Center for the Arts production will present this classic augmented as a multi-cultural production. The show is directed by Leigh Steiner and designed by Craig Williams II.

“I was very excited about the possibility of presenting a first-class production of the classic American play ‘Our Town’,” said HCFTA Executive Director Gus Gordon. “Leigh Steiner is one of the very best directors in town, and I thought she would be the perfect person to look at the show from a different perspective. ‘Our Town’ is a play that many people know, having seen it at high schools and community theatres, or having read the play in English class. I love to present these classic shows and breathe new life into them reminding everyone why they are classics in the first place.”

“Leigh has come up with a brilliant way to present this show to modern audiences,” Gordon continued. “’Our Town’ is everyone's town. The cast will represent the diverse people that make up our community. We look forward to welcoming people who have never been to our theatre to come enjoy this special show with.”

Steiner said of the play, “I have loved it since I knew theatre. It’s a story about all of us and the importance of community. Perhaps that makes this timeless piece even more meaningful today - the opportunity to see our community as a beloved community, one in which we all live and find joy and lift up each other.”

Some people may have seen the film version with Paul Newman who performed the role of the stage manager, she noted. “Probably the most iconic scene is between the Stage Manager and Emily as they talk about appreciating life every minute.”

Nicole Florence plays the role of Stage Manager in this local production. She found “being the storyteller, so to speak, was incredibly appealing as there is so much value in sharing stories and understanding our experiences to celebrate our diversity but also the relatability we have in all our lives.

“Not being an experienced thespian,” Florence added, “the memorization of lines has been especially challenging as well as being alongside such an experienced theater community at first was daunting, but this community has embraced me with open arms.”

The play is new to Mya Williams-Sutton, who plays Emily in whose childhood friendship with George Gibbs blossoms into romance and then culminates in marriage.

“All of the scenes between Emily and George will remind spectators of the wonderful feeling of pure and innocent young love.” She added that people watching the play will “realize that the mundane things in life may not be as unimportant as we think…The best plays can entertain while simultaneously invoking deep thought about the world around us. This is one of those productions.”

Steiner said audiences can expect “a beautiful multiethnic ensemble, led by an actress who talks right to you in the audience and helps you feel comfortable and a part of what is happening on stage… Wilder compels us to appreciate the beauty and sacredness of every moment. I hope that at the end of the piece the audience will feel gratitude and walk out feeling that gratitude for their lives.” Florence added that the play offers “a glimpse of the lives of ordinary people while seeing and emphasizing the extraordinary impact these moments play in this journey called life.”

When: April 28 at 7p.m., April 29 at 2p.m. and 7p.m., April 30 at 2p.m.             Post-show discussion follows 2p.m. performances

Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield

Tickets: April 28 adults $26, seniors/students $24 (includes dessert reception with cast)               April 29-30 adults $20, seniors/students $18

Information: www.hcfta.org or call 217-523-2787

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: A timeless drama of life, 'Our Town' comes to Springfield