UNION – Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is a rare kind of play—one that finds profound meaning in the simplest corners of human life. First performed in 1938, it continues to resonate with audiences for its gentle reminder that ordinary days are, in fact, the essence of our existence. Currently playing at the Union Arts Center by the American Theatre Group, Our Town is a reflection of the human experience, regardless of the current time period.
On a small stage with little to no props, Our Town spans over a decade, narrated by the stage manager, beautifully performed by Timothy Ware-Hill, who guides the audience through the lives of the residents of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Ware-Hill is magnetic on stage, regularly breaking the fourth wall to speak to the audience. His voice is smooth and comforting as he encourages the audience to really think about what they are witnessing in the play’s three acts.
Although the play centers on the town of Grovers Corner, we focus on two families—the Gibbs and the Webbs—as the two oldest children, George Gibbs (Chase Pittman) and Emily Webb (Carrie Keating), fall in love and become one. The chemistry between Pittman and Keating is natural and heartfelt, capturing the innocence and sincerity of young love. Their performances bring warmth and authenticity, making the audience believe in the pair’s connection. From their awkward early exchanges to their tender wedding scene, both actors convey the universal experience of growing up and realizing what it means to love someone deeply.
Stacey Linnartz as Mrs. Gibbs and Gabrielle Lee as Mrs. Webb are another great duo to watch on stage. As the matriarchs of their families, the two are regularly side by side as they act out scenes of preparing their families for the day and tending to their gardens while they discuss life and gossip around town. Both women stand alone in their performances, but watching them sit together and talk feels like the women in your own town who talk over their fences or meet in a public park—truly showing the play’s timeless portrayal of small town life and womanhood.
Directed by Merete Muenter, Our Town shows the beauty and simplicity of everyday American life; while it highlights the happy moments, it doesn’t shy away from tragedy. In the play’s final act, we see the sad reality of death and tragedy that overcomes small towns, and how life is fleeting but so beautiful that every moment should be cherished. Rather than feeling heavy, the scene becomes a poignant reminder of how precious each ordinary moment truly is. Muenter’s direction highlights Wilder’s timeless message — that life, even in its brevity, is profoundly beautiful and worth cherishing.
Our Town will be playing at the Union Arts Center until November 3rd. For more information, visit www.americantheatergroup.org/ourtown.
