Play: “Our Town”Written by: Thorton WilderDirector: Jim Tyler AndersonLead Cast: Quincy Johnson II, Rachel Joseph, Chris Martinez, Lacy Lynch, Rob McWhorter, Katie Townsend and Matt Plummer.
Editor’s note: The following production was reviewed on Wednesday, April 25 in the Performing Arts Center.
In “Our Town”, the University Playhouse gets away from the norm, taking a minimalist approach in the classic Thornton Wilder production. Although, the playwright intends the approach, the cast and crew delivered with a well-executed performance on this night. In this rendition, Rachel Joseph stood out amongst her peers, playing the role of Webb’s daughter, Emily. Exchanges between her and Gibbs’ son, George, played by Chris Martinez, were the strongest and brought the sense of what it is like to be in love for the first time. Joseph committed to the role and it shows throughout “Our Town” in scenes with her mother and father, played by Katie Townsend and Matt Plummer.
Martinez, brought a sense of teenage angst, with his character, George. One is reminded of the naive teenagers we once were while watching Martinez executes this role. Troubling was the relationship between he and his father, played by Rob McWhorter. A sense of awkwardness and lack of chemistry at times was felt between a close bond of father and son. Although, the straight-laced father McWhorter did have comedic one-liners that loosened up the mood.
Wilder uses a narrator character, which he calls the stage manager, played by Quincy Johnson II. At first, it is difficult to be acclimated to the stage manager and the action around the character is a bit slow. However, as time goes on, a personal relationship builds and by the end of the play, it is as though you have known him your whole life. Johnson accomplishes this with a soothing, informal voice and eye contact with the audience, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity-like one should feel in a small town. Johnson excels in a role that makes or breaks the production.
Lacy Lynch, Gibbs’ wife, Plummer and Townsend, all played their parts with strong conviction. Plummer provided much needed comedy relief, while Lynch and Townsend sold their roles as the Wonder Woman homemakers of Grover Corners. Anderson could not have picked two better actors for the job.
In the final scene, there was an eerie twist and Joseph’s interaction with the characters was powerful and symbolic. Not to mention, it taps into ones heart.
The sound effects team and live music composed brought a sense of realness to the production. Minor problems arose in synchronization but easily overlooked. Set changes were smooth and relaxed, especially since the stage manager would direct attention away while the few benches, chairs, and trellises moved.
Lighting was a little dark at times but that only accentuated the mood of the tragedy. Notably, the design in the Act I choir scene was superb. The design in the Act I choir scene was superb.
Overall, the play was a delight to watch. Director Jim Tyler Anderson follows through with Wilder’s vision and brings a meaningful play to our town that has stood the test of time.
To quote Matthew Broderick in the ’80’s movie Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” This play makes you realize why.