OUR TOWN: First Preview

Hey all. I just got back from the first preview off "Our Town" directed by Cromer - who also doubles as the stage manager. I was already a fan of the show going into it, I think Thorton Wilder is a genius, so I expected to like it anyways. But it exceeded all my expectations. After being let down by so many shows (Guys and Dolls, Distracted, etc), I was so thrilled to be seeing something that I engaged in. I felt myself reliving it all over again as if I didn't know what was going to happen. The whole "concept" isn't new. There's minimal sets, props, etc. However, the audience is essentially part of the set. The actors - who are wearing modern day clothing - enter through the audience, and the stage manger interacts with the audience. The choice Cromer made in Act III was brilliant, and I can see why the revival is being hailed for it. The acting was great all around. My only problem was the actor playing George Gibbs. I just didn't care for his performance. He had the same line reading, and it just didn't work for me. However, the girl playing Emily was flat-out brilliant. I think she deserves to win whatever awards she can get - Drama Desk, etc. I really loved her performance. She took the nerdy aspects of the character and ran with it, and I loved it.

In summary, go see this production. There is a code for $25 dollar tickets now through the beginning of March. I didn't ask for student rush or anything, so I don't know how that works. Also, I would suggest getting a seat closer to the centers of the sections.

I'm seeing this in two weeks! I can't wait, it sounds great :)

OOO! Thanks so much for the input! Can't wait to see it.

I honestly don't know? I didn't know it was anyone I should know?

I'm on the fence about how I feel about Cromer as the Stage Manger. Part of me sort of enjoyed his down-to-earth, sarcastic tone, but at the same time, it felt like he was just throwing these lines out without any sort of thought or meaning. It worked, and I think I eventually warmed to him.

I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts, and I think I'm going to go back in a few weeks to check it out. Maybe then I'll enjoy the guy playing George Gibb's performance, it was only the first preview. I'm curious to know why the entire Chicago cast didn't transfer? Just other projects, or scheduling conflicts, etc?

And just to expand on why I didn't like the George Gibbs actor (sorry don't have my program) - I just didn't think he conquered the language. The other actors made the "dated" language feel current and natural, but he just felt like he was fighting against them. He does have some lame lines - I love you Wilder, but his two lines at the end of "Act 1" are pretty awful - but they just didn't seem to gel with him at all.

I'll join in the chorus endorsing the show, and will also decline to spoil the Act III surprise.

For anyone not sure how to get there, the theater is on Barrow St., mere steps from where Bleecker meets Seventh Ave.

Next door is a pizzeria and a gelato shop, so you could do dinner, dessert and a show without crossing the street!

I have a special affinity for OUR TOWN, having directed three productions of it and having played George Gibbs in yet another ('way back when I could pass for a teenager!). I'm glad to learn this is a good production. I'm eager to see it.

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I could agree with Mrs. Webb straining. Her voice work just didn't seem on par. It seemed strained, like you said, and a little horse. But I still stand by Gibbs, ha.

I also like what he did with the "audience" interaction part.

Please. some good soul do the same for me!
Thank you so much.

And then there's a huge fire and everyone dies. Except Emily who wakes up and says "it was all a dream..."

I can't believe you guys have convinced me to see a production of Our Town. Wow.

Okay, got tickets for Sat aft.

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Nope. Didn't even know there was a movie.

I'm just glady Cromer updated the play for modern audiences without having to resort to stupid gimmicks like using cell phones, or "hip" language. I think it's a production that kids and adults can appreciate.

It was funny because during the intermission before the start of Act III you could see all the women getting tissues out of their purses and preparing themselves for a good cry. And man, did it make everyone cry!

When my school did the show, I think the hardest part is the end of Act II at the wedding. The whole George and Emily freaking out at the wedding thing can be a bit tricky, and I thought Cromer and his actors successfully conquered it.

I'll have to Netflix it.

I hated the Newman revival though. While it did look pretty, I just didn't think it took any risks or did anything different. It was just sort of like "so what?"

Now that I think about it, I'm not sure how I like the "audience interaction," but it was interesting, but made it harder to pay attention to the questions. Although the guy playing Mr. Webb was so realistic and great. I just loved his little nuances. Felt like the words were written for him.

I don't think you will be. I mean, it's a beautiful show regardless, and the cast - for the most part - is great. And it's an interesting setting/staging/theater, so that always makes it interesting.

I'm curious to know how the space is normally set up and how a musical like "Gone Missing" worked in the space.

And I'm also excited that Cromer is directing on Broadway next season!