Community Artist Spotlight:
Our Town
Presented by the Ozark Arts Council and Onestage Productions
Fri, Feb. 6, 2009, 7pm; Sat., Feb. 7, 2009, 7pm; Sun, Feb. 8, 2009, 2pm

The Ozark Arts Council and Onestage bring Our Town to the Lyric Theater. This timeless classic is appropriately set in a 1930s theater in the town of Grover’s Corners. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for members/students, and $5 for children.

Our Town is a three-act play by American playwright Thornton Wilder. The play is set in the fictional community of Grover’s Corners, modeled after several New Hampshire towns. The character of Stage Manager, played by Gwen Gresham, is completely aware of the audience’s existence. The Stage Manager interacts with the audience to set the scene and create the town of Grover’s Corners.

Our Town is a story of character development that details the interactions between citizens of an everyday town in the early twentieth century through their everyday lives. George Gibbs, played by Eric Davis, is a doctor’s son, and Emily Webb, played by Claudia Peters, is the daughter of a newspaper editor. Through the characters, Grover’s Corners comes to life to entertain. In the end, the audience will realize that every minute of life should be valued.

The cast of Our Town includes Leisa Dodson as Mrs. Gibbs and Stacy Foley as Mrs. Webb. Tom Ralls, Richie Amburn, Jim Gresham, Rachael Winberry Case, Arthur Jones, Ken Pfaiffar, Josh Roch, Hunter Benz, Sarah Brashers, Trey O’Dell, Rob Thomason, Peggy Price, and Katy Stephanski give amazing performances.

Our Town is directed by Bryan Miller. He has a BFA from Southern Illinois University and is well known for his vocal performances and leading roles in community theater. Most recently, Mr. Miller played the lead in Northark Drama’s Jeckyl and Hyde.

Photos above courtesy http://www.medaloffreedom.com/ThorntonWilder.htm; Thornton Wilder was a Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (Dec. 6, 1963).