Playwright: Thornton Wilder
At: Writers' Theatre, Glencoe
Phone: (847) 242-6000; $45-$50
Runs through: Dec. 7
To inaugurate the debut of their new space, Writers' Theatre in Glencoe chose Our Town, that venerable favorite of high school thespian troupes, community theaters, and, like Writers' Theater, the occasional equity venue looking to breathe new life into what has become a modern-day classic. Under William Brown's sure-handed, inspired direction, Writers Theater has not only breathed new life into the 1938 Pulitzer Prize winner, but have transcended the realm of the stage to create a wholly touching and important comment on the human condition. Writers' Theatre's production is a luminescent jewel and one of the most flawless, heartfelt productions I've ever seen. You'll not only have a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat because of the play's touching subject matter, you'll also have those things because of the awesome artistry on display here. The beauty and simplicity of Writers' Theatre's Our Town affects on a deep, emotional level.
Over the years, Thornton Wilder's portrait of Grover's Corners, a small New Hampshire town, at the turn of the century has been done so many times that it takes something truly special to make it stand out again. Director Brown has kept everything simple in his microcosmic portrait of three days in the lives of the town's residents. Andy Hansen's sound design strikes just the right chord: simple and, at times, melancholy, music never intrudes, but adds only to the rich tapestry Brown has woven with his capable ensemble. Likewise, Rita Pietraszek's lighting is simple, painting time and mood with subtle, delicate strokes. Rachel Anne Healy's costumes, the most obvious aspect of the production, offer a completely convincing period portrait. Finally, Brian Bembridge's smart, simple scenic design allows the actors—and the message they impart—to take center stage.
Brown has made an atypical choice in casting the pivotal role of the stage manager. Ora Jones is probably one of the few women to take on the part and the results are richly satisfying. Jones imparts a kind of nurturing maternal aspect that a man could never give the role. But gender aside, Jones' performance is stunning, so sure and clear is her portrayal that one forgets she is an actor. She is simply our guide, our friend, a kind omnipotent force that leads us through the penultimate events of life: growth, love, and death. And her New England accent is perfect. Everyone in the cast is remarkable, but Jones and Kymberly Mellin (as Emily) sparkle the brightest. Emily is really the heart of the play; one has to feel a connection to this young girl's short tragic life to be really emotionally involved and Mellin gives us that connection with her spare, delicate portrayal. Her Emily is so real that we ache for her … this is a bravura performance, special enough to warrant seeing Our Town for this bit of artistry alone.
There are a lot of good productions running on Chicago stages this busy Fall season, but you'd be hard pressed to find one more lovingly and perfectly rendered than Our Town.
