Review: OUR TOWN at 4th Wall Theatre Co.

4th Wall Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is a heartfelt, wonderfully acted reminder of why this American classic continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. With clarity, simplicity, and a deep respect for Wilder’s vision, the company creates a Grover’s Corners that feels both familiar and profound, pulling us gently into a story where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

For those meeting the play for the first time, Our Town is a three act exploration of small town American life, following the daily routines, budding romance, and universal struggles of the citizens of Grover’s Corners. Guided by Phillip Lehl’s Stage Manager, audiences witness the cycles of Daily Life, the sweetness of Love and Marriage, and finally the reflective poignancy of Death and Eternity. 4th Wall’s staging embraces this structure with thoughtful simplicity, allowing the power of Wilder’s storytelling to shine without distraction and grounding the narrative in the beauty found in everyday experience.

Lehl’s Stage Manager anchors the evening with warmth, clarity, and a gentle authority that welcomes the audience into the world of the play. Their ability to shift between narrator, guide, and quiet observer adds texture to each scene and supports the subtle emotional journey of the production.

The Gibbs and Webb families are portrayed with care and specificity. Dr. Gibbs played by Kregg Dailey brings a steady, soft spoken presence that reflects the emotional backbone of the town. Mrs. Gibbs played by Christy Watkins radiates a quiet yearning beneath her daily responsibilities, suggesting a woman who loves her family deeply while dreaming of the world beyond Grover’s Corners. Across the street, Mr. Webb played by Phillip Hays balances thoughtful sincerity with a slightly nervous charm, while Mrs. Webb played by Kim Tobin-Lehl provides pragmatism and warmth in equal measure. These performances add richness to Wilder’s themes of family, routine, and the passing of time.

George Gibbs and Emily Webb are wonderfully portrayed Elijah Eliakim Hernandez and Faith Fossett specifically remain the beating heart of the story. Hernandez’ earnestness and tender self discovery make him instantly relatable, while Fossett’s intelligence and vulnerability shine through in every scene. Their gradual journey from childhood friends to young partners in life feels both spontaneous and deeply authentic. Their Act Two wedding scene is handled with humor and emotional clarity, making the joys and anxieties of young love feel timeless.

The design elements of this production elevate the storytelling without overwhelming it. The sepia toned scenic design by Kirk Domer honors Wilder’s iconic minimalist vision, using carefully chosen pieces and open space to encourage the audience’s imagination. This choice allows the actors to remain the central focus while still suggesting the gentle rhythms of the town. The lighting design by Rosa Cano is especially effective, shifting subtly to mark the passage of time and to highlight emotional beats with warmth and clarity. In the third act, the lighting introduces a cooler, more contemplative tone that supports the play’s shift into reflection and memory. Costumes by Donna Schmidt evoke the early twentieth century with tasteful simplicity, grounding the characters in their environment while allowing their personalities to take precedence. Sound by Yezmine Zepeda is used sparingly yet thoughtfully, adding delicate touches that enrich the atmosphere without detracting from the intentional simplicity of the stage.

Director Jennifer Dean’s direction comes at full brightness during the third act, often the emotional heart of the play is handled with striking restraint. Emily’s return to a single day from her childhood is portrayed with heartbreaking simplicity, her gradual recognition of life’s fragile beauty delivered with quiet honesty. The staging and design come together here in a way that allows the scene to resonate deeply, inviting the audience into a moment of shared reflection.