Raul Esparza to Play One-Night only performance of Our Town at Williamstown- Page 2

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 7/14/07 at 1:45pm

There are MANY reasons to visit WTF this summer but I'm not sure that a reading of Our Town with Raul as the SM is one of them. :)

[misschung]

Posted: 7/14/07 at 4:08pm

Company was an ensemble piece too though, even though he was the "lead."

The Stage Manager has to be the one who introduces us to these characters and their little town, and also has to be quietly present throughout the whole piece. I think Esparza pulled that off in Company, and I hope that he does it here as well. Wilder himself played the SM, along with Hal Holbrook, Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, Spalding Grey, etc. I don't think it hurts to have a highly recognizable and "star" performer acting the role, so long as it's done with the understanding of the SM's role. He needs to make the audience aware of how the mundane events of everyday life can be raised in significance.

Also remember it's just a reading, not a fully staged production. What that will do to the dynamic of the ensemble, I'm not sure

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 12:19am

Good enough reason for me. Every year, I say I'm going to go -- this finally gave me the motivation to actually plan a trip. I think I want to try to see something else while I'm up there, definitely. I wanted to see Party Come Here, but it will have ended by then.

I hope it's at least semi-staged. I bought a copy of the play today, so I can re-familiarize myself with it before the 17th.

Updated On: 7/15/07 at 12:19 AM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 1:04am

OUR TOWN is one of the most beautiful Plays ever written,
Would rather see Raul as Simon Stimson
but if he get's you to see the play
it's worth it.
Enjoy.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 3:56am

I'm going. I've actually never read Our Town, but I know it's one of those pivotal characters for Raul so I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll be there a few days checking out some other works too. I will definately be seeing Crimes of the Heart and I'd love to see The Corn is Green too.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 4:02am

Oh my goodness! My friend is working at the Williamstown Theatre Festival...I'm forwarding the news to her right now.

[misschung]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 11:00am

Simon Stimson? He could pull it off, but I prefer the SM

Finally an announcement with a nicer picture of Raul
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/109551.html

[StageManager2]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 3:03pm

I wish I could go. OUR TOWN is my favorite play (hence my screen name) and I love Raúl. Sucks to be me, I guess.

[misschung]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 6:18pm

Oh, I never even thought about that in relation to your screen name. I'm happy there are so many fans of the play on here

[violet72]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 9:52pm

I love this play!!! I played Emily once...I wish I could go and see it...if I wasn't in a wedding that weekend I would so go....stupid wedding

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/15/07 at 10:56pm

This play confused me for the longest time because I kept hearing the term "Stage Manager" being thrown around and so I just thought it was some "back-stage comedy" or something, but yeah, it's def. not.

[ken8631]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 10:05am

Oh well, we'll be on vacation in Vegas then......

[keen on kean]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 11:32am

To those making the trip - there is also an excellent Shakespeare company in Lenox called Shakespeare & Co. Saw an interesting HAMLET last summer - tickets a little pricier than $5 though.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 12:28pm

For dining: I have several suggestions in the area. But most importantly, for the best ice cream you'll ever have - go to Lickety Split on Spring Street and have the "Purple Cow" ice cream. It's black raspberry with chunks of white and dark chocolate. TO DIE FOR!

[misschung]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 12:31pm

*writes down*

Raul, Our Town, and the best ice cream in the world? Oh, how the Gods smile upon Katy....

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 12:34pm

Wow. I can't eat ice cream, but that sounds amazing.

[rclocalz]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 12:55pm

I will definitely be there since I am so close. This is so exciting!

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 2:59pm

Also remember it's just a reading, not a fully staged production. What that will do to the dynamic of the ensemble, I'm not sure

Yeah, I'm sure the sets will be like, nothing.

[vfd88]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 3:07pm

Really wish I could go. Too bad.

[misschung]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 3:39pm

I'm sure the sets will be like, nothing

I know, Emcee was like "there's probably going to be a hand drawn sign that like 'OUR TOWN ----> THIS WAY'"

hehe. Well, if there is, I'm stealing it anyway !

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 3:42pm

Well, as opposed to an official poster for a one-night reading. But I was kidding. And exaggerating.

[misschung]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 3:43pm

I know, but it was still funny

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 3:45pm

misschung, have you ever seen a production of Our Town? That was a joke...

[misschung]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 3:46pm

Yeah, I have. Sorry to have missed your joke, it's been a rough week

Updated On: 7/16/07 at 03:46 PM

[ken8631]

Posted: 7/16/07 at 4:20pm

Where is this anyway?