FMU will be hosting a play entitled “Our Town.” This play, written by Thornton Wilder and directed by Glen Gourley, shows everyday life in a small New England town at the turn of the century. It stars C.J Miller and Rebecca Whitten.
“Our Town” takes place in Grover’s Corner, New Hampshire in the early 1900s. This three act play is about the elements of life, including falling love, getting married, and death. It shows how people lived and thought and in the early 1900s. The play shows the contrast between today and the 1900s.
The director, Glen Gourley, found great meaning in the story.
“I like it,” said Gourley. “It’s a historically significant show. It’s a very pretty show; it’s timeless.”
He has also mentioned that it relates very well to people today because it deals with life in general.
“It’s a classic,” said Gourley. “The theme is taking life for granted.”
The Stage Manager has the role of relating this theme to the audience.
The lead role in this play is that of the Stage Manager, played by C.J. Miller, who shows the relationship between the characters. He narrates the entire play and also includes the audience in the show. He makes sure that everyone on stage is doing as they are told.
“[The Stage Manager] is a tour guide through the play and he explains to the audience what they will see,” said Miller. “He explains to the audience why it relates to their own life.”
The lead female role, played by Rebecca Whitten shows how being a female was different during the time period of the play. According to Whitten, they did the housework and took care of the kids. Her character is the prime example of this.
“My character’s name is Julia Hersey Gibbs and she indirectly relates to the audience,” said Whitten. “She shows how women lived back then, compared to now.”
This play will held in the Hyman Auditorium in the Fine Arts Center, on Thursday Oct. 18-Saturday Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. FMU students, faculty, and staff members get in free. To Reserve your tickets you must contact the Box Office at 843-661-1365. The box office will be open from 1 p.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.