Masquers' 'Our Town' opens Friday
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald George (Andrew Covarrubias, left) and Emily (Laura Knittle) come to a crossroads in their relationship in the Masquers production of 'Our Town,' opening Friday.
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Emily (Laura Knittle) and her father (Don Long) approach the church on Emily's wedding day in the Masquers production of 'Our Town,' opening Friday.
SOAP LAKE — The life of a small American town a long time ago – and the lessons it holds for everyone, regardless of when and where they live – is the subject of the latest production from the Masquers Theater. “Our Town” opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the theater, 322 East Main St., Soap Lake, and continues for three weekends.
The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Performances are 7:30 p.m. April 29 and 30 and May 6 and 7, and matinees at 2 p.m. May 1 and 8.
“Our Town,” written by Thornton Wilder and the winner of the 1938 Pulitzer Prize for drama, tells the story of the years 1901 to 1913 in the life of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. George Gibbs (Andrew Covarrubias in the Masquers production) and Emily Webb (Laura Knittle) grow up together and get married; some people are happy, some people aren’t, some live, and some die. All of this happens under the watchful eye of and with commentary from the stage manager (Evan Sperline).
George’s parents are played by Darryl Pheasant and Cynthia Beyer. Don Long and Billie Bedford play Emily’s parents. “This is a great cast,” said Masquers director Clifford Bresee.
“It’s an American classic,” Bresee continued. “I’ve been pitching it (the play) for a while.” While “Our Town” is set in a specific place and time, Bresee said he thought the story and its lessons are universal. “You could set it anywhere in the world,” he said.
“I’m a storyteller by nature. I love stories that are worth telling and worth telling well.”
The staging was revolutionary in its day, no props or even many sets. A few chairs, tables and ladders represent the whole town. “I’m going even further” in the minimalism, Bresee said.
The stage manager keeps the audience updated on events in the town between acts, comments on the action and sometimes takes roles, like the church pastor and the owner of the confectionary. “He even dictates what’s on the stage,” Bresee said.
“Our Town” represents a change for Masquers, which produces more comedies than dramas. Comedies – what Bresee called “ear ticklers” – are the most popular plays with audiences, followed by musicals; dramas are a little more challenging. Bresee said he thought the story, while familiar to some, is worth telling and retelling.
“The story is not intended to tickle your ear, it’s intended to shake your heart,” he said.
It’s traditional for the company to provide a deal on opening night; Friday night tickets are $10 per person for opening night only. Reservations are recommended. For all other performances tickets are $14 general admission, $10 for senior citizens and students, and $7 for children ages 11 and younger. They can be purchased on the company’s website, www.masquers.com. People can make reservations by calling the box office, 509-246-2611.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.