Review: ‘Our Town’ any town, years later - and great

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

welliott@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

"This is the way we were."

The 1938 Pulitzer Prize for drama has certainly stood the test of time. Thornton Wilder’s timeless drama is a must-see at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, north of Canning.

“Our Town” is beautifully written., warm and deeply human. This outdoor production against a backdrop of green trees fits the ambiance perfectly.

Starting out May 7, 1901, this tale is told by the stage manager. He introduces two families, going about their daily lives: the Gibbses and the Webbs. We see two mothers rise and get their children ready for school, ordinary human life. The second act treats audiences to love and marriage; the third act takes a solemn turn.

Two childhood friends and neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, fall in love at a soda fountain and get married. Katie Swift and Stewart Legere are a fine pair of sweethearts.

Later, when Emily looks back on her life, she says, "You've got to love life to have life, and you've got to have life to love life.” Only from the grave can she appreciate how the living take life for granted.

"Doesn't anyone ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"

The Stage Manager responds, "No. Saints and poets, maybe; they do some."

“Our Town” has no complex plot or psychological issues to deal with. Wilder wrote it believing, "this is the way things are. I have always known it without being fully aware that I knew it. Now, in the presence of this play or novel or poem, I know that I know it"

The characters mime the objects with which they interact and director Ken Schwartz’ cast do this impeccably. Ryan Rogerson is especially adept with his horse.

The surroundings are created simply - chairs, tables and ladders. The sound effects were excellent, and a fine collection of straw hats was collected.

Graham Percy as the stage manager plays a key role, and his first-rate skills are evident. Breaking down the infamous “fourth wall of the theatre,” he familiarizes the audience with Grover's Corners and articulates the playwright's thoughts. Percy is the play's anchor and, without stage lighting, the onus is on him to create mood and suggest time of day.

There were a few flubbed lines opening night, but this production will get tighter. In that green and lovely setting, sometimes the sun gets in your eyes and the wind in the trees can make it hard to hear performers on the opposite side of the acting area, but don’t let that stop you from going.

Watching an immature George Gibbs cry profusely as his dad (Ben Stone) gently upbraids him and then boosts his allowance in remorse reminded me why this play is an eternal favourite: such love. You’ll be glad you went.

“Our Town” is presented at 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until July 27. Order tickets at 582-3073.