So I need help. I've herd so much great stuff about Our Town from friends and reviews, but I'm still a bit of a skeptic. Thorton Wilder and I don't have the best relationship... meaning that I've seen productions of The Skin of Our Teeth that were raved about but once I left the theatre I just had a headache and was angry with myself for paying good money to see such a confusing production of a confusing play. So because of those productions, I have steered away from Wilder for a while because of our rocky past. I've never read Our Town because I thought it would be boring and confusing, but with all that I'm hearing about the show I am now on the verge of seeing Cromer's production tonight. I'm in town till Sunday.
Are there any other skeptics out there that saw the show expecting it to be bad and were pleasantly surprised? Please let me know because my friends are thinking about getting tickets tonight.
I was skeptical seeing the production because I've seen no less than 7 different versions of the play in other venues. It's also one of the few Wilder plays I enjoy. But Cromer's version is so completely well put together and acted, I immensely enjoyed myself. Also, I believe Michael Shannon is still in the show as the Stage Manager- and he was FANTASTIC. When you can give a hundred year old show a 'twist' that makes a New York audience gasp, I think the show's done its job.
thanks so much
DEFINITELY see this production. It's an absolute must-see. I really want to go back to see it with Shannon. Even if you've seen the play a thousand times, see it. This is a totally fresh, completely ingenious take on it.
Featured Actor Joined: 8/17/05
I would agree with the above posters. I had seen many productions of the play, and really thought I had finished with it, knew everything I needed to know about it etc. but found myself totally involved and enthralled by this production, its simplicity, and the uniformity of committment from the acting ensemble. It remains as a very beautiful memory in my mind.
I question if I ever will - or ever could - see a better production of Our Town, which is one of my all-time favorites. This production is magnificent.
Amazing production of the best written play of all time. The best version still (to me) goes to Hal Holbrook's 1977 production, which I don't think can ever be topped. It's just perfection.
For someone like me who isn't in love with this production, is it worth returning for Michael Shannon?
I need to see this immediately. I've been putting it off for no reason, but when I saw Michael Shannon was joining the cast it gave me a reason to definitely go. I've just seen so many productions of this, but then I realize everyone has and they're STILL enjoying it.
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