In Harrisburg, people seem to understand the concept of “hometown.”
Everybody seems to know everybody, what they do for a living, their families, their problems, everything. The beauty of community is how tight-knit everyone is and how they all share in each others’ lives.
This month, Gamut Theatre builds on that spirit with “Our Town,” which focuses on the concept of community, allowing the audience to slow down and think about what’s really important among the everyday.
In this famous drama, playwright Thornton Wilder paints a vivid picture of the lives of the people of Grover’s Corners, a small town in New Hampshire, between the years 1901 and 1913. The story mostly focuses on the Gibbs and the Webb families throughout the years, though other characters make repeated appearances, fleshing out the small country community.
This “play within a play” is led and directed by the character of the “stage manager,” beautifully performed by David Ramòn Zayas, with other cast members all adding richly to constructing the fabric of this community, telling the tale of lives simply and honorably led. In a unique twist, Gamut’s interpretation uses minimal props, relying on imaginary objects and actor-made sound effects to set the scene for the daily lives of the characters. Startling at first, this creative choice actually contributes depth and originality to the often-told tale, giving it a freshness that sets it apart from other stage productions.
Act I is titled “Daily Life” and mostly serves as an exposition for the town and its characters. The stage manager places the first act in 1901 on a typical day in Grover’s Corners. Some brief information on the history of the town and the background of its people are delivered by the stage manager and Professor Willard for context. As the stage manager says, “Our town would like to know the facts about everybody.” This part of the play is the lightest, full of humorous, relatable moments for the audience to laugh at, sometimes to the point of tears.
In the day-to-day, the mail is delivered by Joe Crowell, the housewives get their milk from Howie Newsome the milkman, the Gibbs and Webb children are off to school, and the warmness of the town is felt among all. During the performance, actors wait above the main stage on a separate platform. Awaiting their cues, they either sit in chairs patiently or participate in creating sound effects—clanking milk jugs for Howie miming them below, slapping the floor with paper for Joe throwing the newspapers against people’s doors, and hilariously recreating chicken noises for the imaginary chickens being thrown imaginary seed, just to name a few. This play doesn’t need props or realistic objects to create the environment that the audience can see so vividly.
George Gibbs and Emily Webb are introduced in the first act as high schoolers and neighbors, secretly interested in each other. George, an athletic and kind boy played by Zane Garcia, and Emily, a friendly and smart girl played by Gabriella DeCarli, are shown interacting with each other throughout their days in their hometown. As their love grows and develops into Act II, titled “Love and Marriage,” George and Emily prepare for their wedding day in 1904. One poignant scene shows Emily recalling when she and George knew they were meant to be with each other. In a flashback to their junior year narrated by the stage director, Emily confronts George about his pride with sports and, instead of getting upset, George thanks her for pointing out a flaw within himself that he needs to fix. They bond over ice cream sodas and speak of their futures, mainly George wanting to start his own farm and, ever since that day, they have been committed to each other. Both of them initially show some nervousness and hesitation to their parents about getting married, but George and Emily clearly love each other and happily go through with the wedding.
In the years leading up to Act III, George and Emily start their own farm and grow it, beginning a family, visiting their parents for dinner, and helping each other with their small-town dreams. At the beginning of Act III, titled “Death and Eternity,” the scene turns darker. In a small town, death seems to be felt harder and the wounds are deeper as the living remember the dead. In 1913, nine years later, the scene opens with the stage manager speaking about death from the background of the cemetery.
“Things don’t change that much around here,” he says, with the exception of inevitable loss that occurs in everyone’s life.
Those lost include Mrs. Gibbs, married to Doc Gibbs and mother to George; Simon Stimpson, church organist; young Wally Webb; and school principal Mrs. Soames. Without giving much away, Act III explores themes of loss, remembrance and regret, reflecting upon the lives they have led. Knowing people so closely makes death even harder for a community such as Grover’s Corners, and it is clear how much love the living had for those who are gone. This act asks the main question: “Does anyone ever realize life as they live it… every, every minute?”
Gamut Theatre’s production of “Our Town” is expertly directed by Thomas Weaver, produced by Melissa Nicholson and sponsored by David Newhouse. The play runs through Feb. 25. For more information and tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.
On a side note, Gamut Theatre continues fundraising to complete the renovation of its wonderful facility at 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. They currently are 87 percent of the way to their fundraising goal, with only $88,000 left to raise. If you would like to support the arts in Harrisburg, please consider donating to this cause.
