Brigham Young University’s Department of Theatre and Media Arts will present a performance of “Our Town” Tuesday through Saturday, Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 2-11 in the Pardoe Theatre. The play will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with additional Saturday matinee performances at 2:00 p.m.
General public tickets are $15.00, BYU alumni and senior tickets are $13.00 and student and BYU employee tickets are $11.00. All matinee tickets are $8.00. For tickets, visit the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center of Marriott Center, call (801) 422-4322, or visit byuarts.com.
A moving story about the citizens of a small New Hampshire town featuring a large cast and minimal set have made Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” one of most performed plays in the country since it’s Pulitzer-prize winning premiere in 1938. When the Harris Fine Arts Center opened 50 years ago, “Our Town” was one of the first plays ever produced in the new building. This latest production of the play, the fifth in BYU’s history, remains true to the minimalist depiction with the exception of a large projector screen set at the back of the stage.
Director Stephanie Brienholt describes her experience with the play as both happy and sad, joyful and melancholy, and mysterious and predictable. She has found the play teaches profoundly joyful moments can be found during difficult experiences. “My hope is that for one minute you will really look at people, at things, at life, as though you really see it,” said Breinholt. “Because I believe that even in the midst of routine, hardship, or even darkness, life through love can bring a little spark of hope.”
The cast features Jacob Swain as Stage Manager, Joseph Skousen as Mr. Webb, Mackenzie Larsen as Mrs. Webb, Brittany Stahly as Emily Webb, Zach Grigg as Wally Webb, Billy Hagee as Dr. Gibbs, Jenna Hawkins as Mrs. Gibbs, Morgan Gunter as George Gibbs, Gabriela Rodrigues as Rebecca Gibbs, Madison Dennis as Mrs. Soames/ensemble, with Rachel Pullan, Jacob Baird and Andrew Justvig in the ensemble.
The technical crew of “Our Town” includes Travis Coyne, scenic designer and technical director; Mark Ohran, lighting designer; Ashley Cook, costume designer; Chris Bowles, sound designer; Mandee Wilcox, dramaturg; and Hannah Richardson, stage manager.