Articulating the details of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, the character of the Stage Manager both scientifically and personally introduces life in a small town where children are becoming adults, simple interactions translate into complex, and people rarely say what they mean, as he opens Pacifica High School's production of "Our Town."
Winning Thornton Wilder a Pulitzer Prize in 1938, "Our Town" leads the audience through a day in the life of Grover's Corners, the wedding of Emily Webb and George Gibbs, and closes in the town's cemetery, when Emily Webb sagely reflects on life's brevity.
Because "Our Town" calls for a sparse set and few props, much weight rested on acting ability of the cast. Led by the commitment to character of Justin Hogate as the Stage Manager and Heather Whitney as Mrs. Webb, the cast successfully portrayed the dynamics of relationships and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Justine Hogate (Stage Manager) nimbly transitioned from narrator of the story to member of the town. As the manager of the soda shop, he committed to the archetypal character of the amicable elderly man. His movements of scooping ice cream, turning on the soda fountain, and handing the treats to his customers looked exactly as though he were in a real soda shop with a full counter and fountain. Leslie Eubanks as Emily Webb was exceptional at communicating the nervousness of a school girl around her crush. With uneasy hand gestures and accusing tone, Emily's claim that "you've changed, George" embodies the anxiety and excitement of a first crush.
Heather Whitney not only committed to but embraced the character Mrs. Webb. From her consistent accent to her deliberate method of stringing peas, she conveyed a loving, no-nonsense mother. The conversation between Mr. Webb (Brandon Stevens) and George Gibbs (Billy Minor), the soon-to-be father- and son in-law, was heartwarming. Mr. Webb's good nature and advice for George paired with George's anxiety and confusion created a subtle humor and charm.
Though some lighting was off cue, considering that a single person, Bryn Horst, was production stage manager, light designer, last-minute light board operator,and superhuman, the overall technical aspects were a success. In particular, the moonlight over Emily and George's windows set a sentimental mood that appropriately fit their coming of age.
The cast's commitment to this dialogue-intensive and weighty-themed play made the production mature and interesting.
Teresa Ortega attends Santa Ana High School.
