Our Town

[foxy]

Today I saw Our Town. I have to admit I’ve never seen a live production of this play. I have seen filmed versions but it’s been a while. So I was looking forward to seeing this well reviewed production of what is considered an American classic. With an impressive cast I had high hopes for it. Sorry to say I was not bored exactly but rather underwhelmed by it all. Apologies to Thornton Wilder. 

[+ WilliamM]

I saw the play years ago with  Paul Newman.  Agree about the  play

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

This play was performed in my high school during my sophomore year.  Back then, I couldn't understand the play's status as a classic.  I suspect this is a case of something that simply doesn't endure the change of time. 

[Cooper]

@foxy, I agree with your review. I recall reading Thornton Wilder’s play, “Our Town”, back in HS. It sounded better then. 

Apparently, there were some issues from the start. The play went from 2 hr 35 min with 1 intermission to 1 hr 40 min with no intermission (people with over active bladders might want to keep that in mind).

I felt the 3 Acts were rushed and didn’t do a good job in developing the story or roles of the 28 performers. I had no idea why the police officer, paperboy, and deaf milkman, who had very few lines, just kept popping up on stage. Also, the concept of imaginary scenery wasn’t effective. 

If the appeal was to bring in big names,  it didn’t work. The people I attended with had to struggle to stay awake. 

 

[+ Lucky]

This production is not the traditional Our Town. I saw that with Spalding Grey as the narrator many years ago and was mesmerized despite sitting high in the balcony..

My seat was much better, but this production left me cold. It caught none of the emotions that Thornton Wilder elicits when produced traditionally. Yes, I got sleepy. Jim Parsons as narrator just seemed in a hurry to get the show over with.

[dcguy20]

The 1988 Broadway production of Our Town is my favorite. That's the one that featured Spaulding Grey, but he was out the night I saw it. It was taped for PBS and can be seen on YouTube. 

I also saw the closing performance with Dom Ameche as the stage manager, and Helen Hunt as Emily Webb. She was excellent. 

The Paul Newman production in 2001 left me cold.

The imaginary scenery is in the notes of the original play. 

[+ Cash4Trash]

David Cromer's off-Broadway production in 2010 was the best. Thrust stage area, audience was seated on 3 sides. House lights never went down and some of the action was in the audience. Made those of us watching feel like we were citizens of Harpers Ferry watching a story about our friends and neighbors or we might have been dead as well and sitting in the local graveyard. Very upfront and personal and I consider it to be the definitive production. 

[+ Lucky]

On 11/1/2024 at 4:28 AM, Cash4Trash said:

 Made those of us watching feel like we were citizens of Harpers Ferry watching a story about our friends and neighbors or we might have been dead as well and sitting in the local graveyard. Very upfront and personal and I consider it to be the definitive production. 

Why did they change the name of the town featured in the play?

[+ Lucky]

On 10/31/2024 at 8:09 PM, dcguy20 said:

The 1988 Broadway production of Our Town is my favorite. That's the one that featured Spaulding Grey, but he was out the night I saw it. It was taped for PBS and can be seen on YouTube. 

I also saw the closing performance with Dom Ameche as the stage manager, and Helen Hunt as Emily Webb. She was excellent. 

The Paul Newman production in 2001 left me cold.

The imaginary scenery is in the notes of the original play. 

 

[+ Cash4Trash]

22 hours ago, Lucky said:

Why did they change the name of the town featured in the play?

Mea Culpa - It takes place in Grover's Corner. 

[+ Lucky]

On 10/31/2024 at 7:30 AM, Lucky said:

This production is not the traditional Our Town. I saw that with Spalding Grey as the narrator many years ago and was mesmerized despite sitting high in the balcony..

My seat was much better, but this production left me cold. It caught none of the emotions that Thornton Wilder elicits when produced traditionally. Yes, I got sleepy. Jim Parsons as narrator just seemed in a hurry to get the show over with.

Thrilled to see that Jim Parsons did not get a Tony nomination for his role here. Snub a dub!