That Evening, November 19th, We Saw "Our Town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" What A Revelation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Like most theater folk of my generation, I have been "Our Town"-ed since high school.  It was done at my college.  I saw the last revival with Spalding Grey.

                                             So, "Our Town--" again???????????????????

                                             I figured seeing it at this age would be different from seeing it as a teen.  And I was right.  For one thing, in the Stage Manager's opening speech, instead of naming the characters, names the actors playing them.  There is a wall blocking the stage, often used for intimae scenes, like when doors open and George and Emily have their next-door courtship.  And this "Our Town" is done straight through, without an intermission.  What I thought was a lengthy three acter, is a quick one hour and forty minutes.

                                               But packed with insight and great performances.  Richard Thomas and Katie Holmes fair best, as the Webbs.  Katie Holmes is a revelation, taking on an acting challenge like this and running with it. When she is onstage, one cannot take one's eyes off her.  Every little gesture speaks of technique and revelation.  The only other actress out there I could see doing this is the divine Celia Keenan-Bolger.  But Katie Holmes is impressive.

                                                  Julie Halston has some funny moments as Mrs. Soames. But "Our Town" earns its grit when it gets to Act Three, set in a cemetery, with deceased members catatonically seated, though they do speak.  Having turned 70, this scene hit me int he solar plexus.  Because I am closer to those seats than I was when first exposed to this play, and the truth cannot escape me.  And when Zoey Deutsch as Emily does her famous "Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you" speech, there was not a dry eye in the house.  As it should be.   Kenny Leon directs a great company of actors, but I wish he had allowed or encouraged Ephraim Sykes to show emotion when by Emily's grave.  Seeing this scene has always made me wonder if the afterlife is like this.

                                                         And what of Jim Parsons as the Stage Manager?  He was a surprise too.  I was afraid there would be too much of Jim Parsons, but the actor restrains himself and projects the image of a shell backed New Englander.  It is a testament to Kenny Leon's direction.

                                                             This production is playing through January 19.  Which happens to be the day we see Audra McDonald in "Gypsy."  You can bet I will be critical about THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                               While "Our Town" is here, it should be seen.  It may not be the "Our Town" our youth remembers, but it is the one present day youth, if they go, will remember always.

                                                                   Where are the Thornton Wilders when needed???????????