Big Moments, Small Town - Our Town

Published on: 10/26/2012

Do you remember filmstrips?  That's what life reminds me of.  It just keeps rolling along one scene after another.  And quickly, too. When I was a kid I couldn't wait to get older.  Now that I am, I'm glad for the wisdom age and faith has taught me; particularly being in the moment and realizing it's all I have and it's enough.  As busy as life is, that's not an easy thing to do is it?  The older I get, however; I'm finding it easier and I'm thankful for all of the moments - even the difficult ones. 

No matter where we live whether small town or large city; no matter the time period, this always has been and will be a universal theme and struggle; one WCT's current production, Our Town, a Comic Drama running October 26, 2012 thru November 11, 2012, portrays vividly.

Along with Thornton Wilder's insightful writing and the passionate expertise of husband and wife team Robb Smith, (Director) and Laura Enderle-Smith, (Costumer) bringing Our Town to life is a labor of love for the both of them.

"It's the first play I read in middle school.  I played Mrs. Gibbs and thought, 'Oh, my gosh!' Theatre is amazing!" Laura declares.  This show launched her love of the theatre and the teacher she read Our Town with inspired Laura to teach.  Some years later at her first school, Our Town was the first show Laura directed.  "The message of Our Town speaks to me every day!  Every time I see it I'm touched, especially now that I'm a parent."

Beyond this current WCT production Robb also has a personal connection to Our Town.  He played George in the Professional Theatre Training Program at UWM.  Two years ago he directed Our Town at Eisenhower High School, New Berlin, and most recently at Nathan Hale High School, West Allis.  And while both Laura and Robb have historical ties with Our Town, they agree it never grows old.

"What is remarkable to me is that in 56 years, Our Town has never been produced at WCT.  Ever.  I am honored and humbled to be involved...to be working with an ensemble that has such varied experience and history.  It seems fitting that this production brings performers back to the stage after time away, brings old friends together and brings new life and enthusiasm into the realm of theatre.  As far as that profound, thought-provoking wit is concerned - I'll leave that to Wilder," Robb says.

"Our Town explores the lives of young Emily Webb and George Gibbs, along with their families and neighbors, in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire.  This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic reveals the big moments in a small town: Life.  Love and Marriage.  Death and Eternity.  Like Emily, you'll discover the importance of experiencing life as you live it - "every, every minute."  Written by a Wisconsin native, Our Town remains as engaging today as when it first captivated audiences in 1938."

With the leaves nearly blown from the trees; as balmy breezes have given way to chilly winds; as time and seasons keep rolling along, my thoughts turn to the book of Ecclesiastes.  Its words are true and reflective of WCT's autumn Pix Fix, Our Town, running October 26,2012 thru November 11, 2012.

Come!  Welcome to WCT's 'Grover's Corners, New Hampshire' and experience Our Town which could very well be our town.  Let its message speak to you, too.

(Our Town - October 26, 2012-November 11, 2012TICKETS: Adult $19.00 * Student/Senior $17.00 with a Student Rush discount beginning one hour prior to any show * Subscriber Discount and Group Rate $15.00 * Educational group Rate $10.00 * Pay What You Can Performance, November 10, 2012, 2:00 p.m. * Service fees apply to all tickets)