Our Town

9/10

For nearly 90 years, Our Town has been a staple in the American theater scene, from Broadway to community theaters to just about every high school across the country. It tells the story of the mundane, not as a critique, but as a celebration, shining a spotlight on run-of-the-mill events in an attempt to point out the overlooked wonder that exists in the smallest moments. The Gainesville Community Playhouse’s production of Our Town shines throughout, but brightens considerably as the show progresses and it settles into its own identity, creating distance from other interpretations of the play.

The difficulty in writing this review is the urge to talk about the choices, big and small, made to make something old feel like something new, while maintaining an important sense of familiarity. But to talk is to spoil and to spoil is a disservice to those who have not had the opportunity to see this show. Act I and Act II follow a fairly well-trodden path taken by many past productions, feeling safe and comfortable for those who already know the show. However, this version excels in what it does differently than other iterations, particularly in Act III, where it challenges itself to give meaning to the minutiae.

Read on their own, the words of Our Town do not drip with excitement, giving the impression that Grover’s Corners, and perhaps the people who inhabit it, are dull, making it more difficult to find the magic of the moment. However, the stellar cast rises to the challenge and makes the story engaging, tragic, and beautiful, especially by the end.

While the set is intentionally bare, the space does not feel empty, due to the wonderful performances of those who fill it. Ellie Woloszyn charms as the bright and bold Emily Webb, showcasing her range to play Emily over the years and effectively portraying youthful exuberance giving way to contemplative reflection. By Act III, Ms. Woloszyn is in full control of the audience's emotions as she finally recognizes the unappreciated beauty of life, indirectly imploring the viewer to reflect on the "in-between moments" of their own lives. Throughout the show, she brings a relatable humanity to Emily, particularly through her relationship with her father Charles Webb, played by Michael Glover. The duo capture the joy that exists between a parent and child, a playfulness that makes each moment they are on stage ring true. Mr. Glover's performance enlivens the stage through unmatched energy in his interactions with each character. Even his recitation of demographic statistics related to Grover's Corners manages to elicit laughter from the audience. This energy feels natural instead of performative and helps to establish Mr. Webb as a fully realized character. Mr. Glover embodies the feeling of small town charm and good nature, helping to emphasize the central theme of the story while making comedic choices that elevate his character and add a healthy dose of levity to the drama.

In addition to excellent performances, this production of Our Town comes to life through sound. The rattling of milk bottles that are not there, for instance, helps bridge the gap between an actor's pantomime and what the viewer sees in their mind. This effect is used throughout to provide auditory stimulus as an alternative to the more typical visual effects. In addition, the show utilizes unique sound design to balance the ethereal and the haunting, complementing the actors and story perfectly.

While the source material can be dry at times, GCP's production of Our Town is thought-provoking, entertaining, and beautiful. The boldness of Act III provides the perfect payoff for the more traditional elements that precede it. Our Town runs through June 7th at the Gainesville Community Playhouse and tickets can be purchased at gcplayhouse.org.