Paul Newman "Our Town"

[Gothampc]

Posted: 9/13/03 at 8:40pm

The Paul Newman version of "Our Town" will be shown on PBS Oct. 5. Has anyone heard if they plan to release it on video or should we set our VCRs?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/13/03 at 8:50pm

First off, I love this play. I've directed several productions of it and played George Gibbs in a Bi-Centennial of it in 1976 (when I could still remotely pass for a 16 year old boy!) The play's sweet sentimentality is very endearing. I teach the play regularly, but Wilder's lovely prose falls upon deaf ears with the ghetto rats I teach. Maybe if we could get someone like Little Bow Wow to play the George Gibbs we'd get their attention.

I stood through the Newman production and although the cast was uneven, I loved it. Hopefully the TV camera will enhance the performance of the gal who played Emily. On stage she was weak up until her farewell to Grover's Corners. Newman, however, was excellent.

The stand-out in the cast was Stephen Spinella as Simon Stimson.

[tpdc]

Posted: 9/14/03 at 1:16am

The video version is kind to everyone and the girl comes off pretty well. Isn't Jayne Atkinson a marvel? I wish she had been nominated for her performance in OUR TOWN as well as ENCHANTED APRIL last season.

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 9/14/03 at 10:58am

I believe they are planning on releasing it on video.