On the Outskirts of Our Town

One of the many perks of being the Evergreen Blogger (and let's face it, there are a bunch!) is being able to sneak into the final dress rehearsal for Our Town.   I did just that last night...

The actors prepare.  

In school, one is taught to start a review with a synopsis.  With most plays I could say: "There's been a murder and no one knows where the diamonds are!" or "A boy likes a girl, but she doesn't care for him" or "This prince's dead father asks for vengeance and hilarity ensues."

The narrative of Our Town is different; the first act is about daily life, the second is about love and marriage, and the last act is about death.  Honestly though, I could have saved your time and simply typed that Our Town is about life and death.

 A friend of mine loves to comment that Our Town is the most successful play in American history where nothing really happens.  Yes, well, the reason it's so successful is that every person lives and dies, and this play has something to say to each and every one of them.

Getting a feel for the space.

Enduring as the source material is, the Evergreen cast and crew make it sing.  The design of the play seems spartan on first glance, but the music, lights and costumes come together to create a town around two tables and two archways.   Simple, but perfect.  

I urge you to see this play.  Let it work on you, and let yourself be taken in by it.  I'm not too proud to admit I cried through the last act.  I dare say I was the only one because, being a dress rehearsal, everyone else there had seen the play fifty times.  Such heartbreak is a testament to the actors themselves.  I certainly don't remember crying when I first read the play!

The director tells the actors where to stand for their curtain call.  You will be standing as well!

Our Town opens this Friday, September 16th, at 7:30 and runs through this weekend and the next.  Call the St. Norbert College's Ticket Office at (920) 403-3950 or order tickets online.  Tickets start at 12 dollars...seriously, that's a dollar more than a movie in 3D.  For one more dollar you could see a play in 4D!  Don't miss the opportunity to see Evergreen's production of Our Town.  Take someone you love, or just someone you like.  

And as always, let me know what you think in the comments, or on our facebook page.  Don't let me be the only reviewer!