By the end of Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town”, Camille Edwards had her audience in tears. Her performance as Emily Webb seemed to evoke deep emotions from the audience. In the dramatic conclusion, when her character, who dies in childbirth, is given the opportunity to go back home one more time to spend an “average day” with her family, the silence in the Willie Duke Auditorium was broken only by the muffled sounds of sniffles.
The Advanced Drama II class performed Wilder’s classic play, which was directed by Drama teacher David Spearman. “Our Town” is a play set in New Hampshire in the early years of the 20th century that depicts the lives of average Americans.
Spearman’s brilliant execution was enhanced with an outstanding cast and an impressive set while still maintaining Thornton’s trademark simplicity by using minimal scenery and no props.
Although the play’s less-than-extravagant plot and slower pace may not have appealed to all, which might explain the low turnout for the play’s three-night run Oct. 11-13, the cast’s talent and obvious passion for acting brought the story to life.
Junior David Watson, in his first major acting role, played George Gibbs, Emily’s neighbor and love interest growing up. He seemed at ease on the stage and held his own with fellow actor and veteran Chase Thomaston, who played the role of Emily’s father, Mr. Charles Webb. Watson and Thomaston made people laugh as Thomaston’s character gave marriage advice to his soon-to-be son-in-law.
Special guest performer Michael Houghtaling, the father of senior Claire Houghtaling who also broadcasts the Panther football games, delivered an excellent performance as the narrator and riveted some audience members with his spectacular storytelling skills.
The final act of the play was the most interesting because of its emotionally touching storyline and the popularly held opinion that Americans take the most ordinary of situations for granted, which we don’t realize until it’s too late, or not at all.
“Our Town” was a great play, and those who came to see it know it. However, the next time the Drama Department chooses a play, they make want to pick something a little more livelier.