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The rushed directions of a stage manager just minutes before the start of a show introduces the audience to Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.”
“Our Town” is a relatable story, with acts named for each stage of life: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” Telling the timeless tale of the development of young love, Thornton Wilder includes many words of wisdom that remain with the audience long after leaving the theater.
The Stage Manager guides the audience through the story of “Our Town,” interrupting the actors, adding commentary, and ultimately uniting the audience and cast. In this production, Zack Carlson as the Stage Manager moved animatedly through the story. With his engaged speech, he remained casual, as though not even acting, setting the audience at ease. Carlson also doubled as many other characters, each distinctly different from the rest. His ability to uniquely develop each character was incredible.
Marilee Jooste donned the mild-mannered personality of Emily Webb, using a soft voice and awkward movements to add to her shy persona. Jooste maintained the essence of Emily Webb throughout the entire performance, creating a vastly realistic experience.
Garrett Brown, as George Gibbs, is the epitome of teenage jitters. Awkward mannerisms, stuttering speech, and an inability to express his feelings are all ways in which Brown portrays the nervous and in-love George Gibbs. Along with the rest of the cast, Brown was very natural up on stage, making it very easy for the audience to watch.
The costumes, designed by Jordan-Marc Diamond, Hannah Godlewski, Jenna Lego, Kasha Myers, and Monica Wilson, hearken back to the early 1900s, creating a small town atmosphere. Sound effects, by Danielle Kisner, creating the realistic sounds of any town, also adding to the setting, while the piano, played by Stella Monshaw, puts the audience in the appropriate emotional states throughout the play.
Huntington Beach APA’s production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” is anything but ordinary. Living up to high expectations, APA successfully puts their own slight spin on the timeless classic, “Our Town.”
For more information about APA and the season schedule, visit http://www.hbapa.org/shows.html.
