The Playhouse last staged Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in 2010. Thursday night (May 24), a new production of the classic American play opened at the NorShor Theatre, and I think American society must have advanced at least a quarter-century in those eight years.
Tom Isbell as the Stage Manager in the Duluth Playhouse’s production of ‘Our Town,’ performing at the NorShor Theatre // Photo by Nicole Modeen Photography
Our Town requires a mostly bare stage and a minimum of props. Curtis Philip’s scenic design is elegantly simple: wood flooring and paneling. Mrs. Gibbs (Pat Isbell) and Mrs. Webb (Emily Parr) mime making two different breakfasts, all as mere background action.
This play is filled with gentle humor and simple truths, evoking murmurs of recognition throughout the evening from the attentive audience.
Tom Isbell returns to perform as the Stage Manager, playing it a bit more broadly this time around because his measured cadences and earnest voice needs to reach the upper reaches of the balcony. His words have the ring of truth and resonate with the audience.
The Stage Manager is the soul of this play, while the two youngsters, baseball playing George Gibbs (Luke Harger) and Emily Webb (Rachel Williams), the original girl next door, are its heart, moving from awkwardness to sweetness to sorrow.
The evening is a treasure trove of little moments from the characters.
ENJOY A SNEAK PEEK
- Video by Wherehouse Productions
GET TICKETS BEFORE IT LEAVES THE STAGE
When: May 31-June 3, 2018 (ASL Interpreted Performance on May 31)
Showtimes: Thursday-Saturday @ 7:30pm, Sunday @ 2pm
Where: The NorShor Theatre (211 E. Superior St.)
Tickets: Online at norshortheatre.com/tickets or duluthplayhouse.org, by calling 218.733.7555, or stopping by in-person at the NorShor Box Office
Prices:
- Adults – $25-$35 (depending on seat selection)
- Students – $25
- Groups (15+) – Please call the Box Office for group rates