A minimalist setting with an outstanding cast make this year’s production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder a must-see. Set between 1901-1913, the play is split into three acts following the everyday life of citizens in Grover’s Corners—a fictional small town in America. Scott McCollom, Lily Davies and Charlotte Brady are set to act as the Stage Manager that will lead the audience through the three acts of the play. “The Stage Manager as a role just for one person is effectively omnipotent. So, breaking it into three gives more of a ‘three fates’ take on the role. It breaks it up into different stages of life and embodies that through the three of us,” says Brady. McCollom starts the play as Stage Manager for Act I: Daily Life, introducing the audience to Grover’s Corners and its townspeople in 1901. As the Stage Manager, McCollom says he aims to bring upbeat energy, which is vital for the audience’s first introduction to the play.
“I’m going to bring some levels of optimism and energy. Really bringing some excitement because most of the play is grounded in reality. Having that level of enthusiasm, I think, engages the audience,” he said.
Brady’s Stage Manager guides the audience through Act II: Love and marriage.
“With the love and marriage bit I have been able to have a level of optimism, but also questioning whether or not the institution of marriage is legitimate, which is an interesting take on it,” said Brady.
Brady says the marriage scene is one of her favourites and is excited to showcase her interpretation.
“An element in the marriage scene is that, when all is said and done and the questions have been answered, the [bride and groom] are connected and everything just stops. There’s a bit where I give a monologue on whether or not marriage is valid—do I truly believe in this? I find that kind of interesting because even the most omnipotent force in this play has questions,” said Brady.
Davies closes the play as the Stage Manager in Act III: Death and eternity.
“My favourite part is the third act—it’s a very somber look at the situation, but the simplistic way that they look at ways and they focus on the small/minute things. Then when you zoom out you see how important those small things are, and my final speech at the end, there’s only a couple times where I have been able to say it without crying,” she said.
Our Town continues to be a popular play from when it was first performed in 1938. Davies says this is a play that has been talked about for a while and she is excited to see it hit the stage.
“It’s the most produced play ever, and it’s an interesting challenge to have all those other copies out there and trying to make our vision of Our Town unique. I think the three Stage Managers helps with that,” she said.
Even though Our Town is set in the early 20th century, the Stage Managers say it’s relatable in terms of the topics and subjects it covers.
“It’s a beautiful telling of this story, but the thing is, it’s so open and it could be in any town with any people … I feel like people will be able to get into the story rather easily. Even though it was set in the early 20th century, it’s still relatable in the early 21st century. 100 years later,” said McCollom.
This is the last play for these Grade 12 students, so don’t forget to come out and support them in all their hard work.
“This is the theatre where I learned how to act, and I found my confidence on this stage,” said Brady. “I was able to speak in a way I never had before, and this place has changed me. I think this play will make people reflect on what’s changed them.”
The play will be performed at Denford Hall on November 20, 21, 22 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on November 23 at 2 p.m. More information and tickets available at www.mygns.ca/events, or call 250-370-6800.
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