College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University

September 11, 2006

Script packs emotional punch in ISU Theatre production of "Our Town"

Only a few pieces of scenery dot the stage. A ladder represents the second floor of a house.

A bare stage has become synonymous with "Our Town," the Thornton Wilder American classic play set in the early 1900s in small town New Hampshire.

"Part of what makes 'Our Town' so wonderful is that the stage is practically bare," says Jane Cox of ISU Theatre and the play's director. "While the costumes are realistic for the era, the emphasis in 'Our Town' is on acting and emotions."

ISU Theatre will present "Our Town" over two weekends in Fisher Theater beginning Friday, Sept. 29. Show times for that performance as well as the Sept. 30 and Oct. 6-7 showings is 7:30 p.m. Matinee productions (2 p.m.) are set for Sunday, Oct. 1 and 8.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play begins with a stage manager walking on stage and setting the scene, "The date is May 7, 1901 just before dawn." Act I is called "Daily Life"; Act II is "Marriage and Love" and Act III is "Death".

By the time 12 years pass in Grovers Corners, N.H., and the performance draws to a close, the characters have made discoveries about the ordinary and extraordinary days that comprise every life.

"I think 'Our Town' appeals to every generation," Cox says. "It looks at daily life, love, death and eternity. Thornton Wilder writes about two families and their life experiences in the early 1900s.

"The hearts and souls of these characters is what's important. The love and tragedy that the characters experience is the same as we experience today and will long into the future."

Throughout the play, the stage manager (portrayed by Joel Perkins) will turn to the audience and ask them to reflect on how they feel about what they have seen take place on the stage.
That got Cox thinking about when she first saw "Our Town" in Denver as a high school student.

"'Our Town' was the very first professional production I saw," she said, "and it really changed my life. This play made me determined to live a life where I noticed life around me and enjoy the simple things.

"Anyone who sees 'Our Town' recognizes something about themselves in the script," Cox continued. "This is a script that still speaks to the audiences long after they leave the theater."

Other major cast members include Jeff Mason, Dr. Gibbs; Malary Harris, Emily Webb; Matthew Lampe, George Gibbs; Jack Klein, Mr. Webb; Carrie Taylor, Mrs. Gibbs; and Genya Coffey, Mrs. Webb.

Tickets are currently on sale at the Iowa State Center Ticket Office and are $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students and children. Tickets may also be purchased at 515-233-1888.