Is It Time For a Revival Of OUR TOWN?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:16pm

This play has been on my mind a lot lately, with personal things in my life. I believe it’s the greatest play ever written and I cant believe its been almost 20 years since the last revival with Paul Newman and Im thinking it might be time for a revival. In my mind Ive always wanted to see Morgan Freeman as the Stage Manager but theres a million people who would be great.

Updated On: 3/2/20 at 03:16 PM

[ggersten]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:25pm

Now you have me imagining Samuel Jacksonas Stage Manager, with a few choice words (ok a lot of choice words) added to the script.  But for star power, I'm casting Tom Hanks.  

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:26pm

Oh wow, Tom Hanks would be absolutely perfect.

[inception]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:37pm

Every community theatre group, and student theatre program seems to be putting on a production of Our Town at any given time.
Maybe with a big star like Tom Hanks it would bring people in to a Broadway production, but why would Tom Hanks, or anyone else, want to do Our Town? It would kind of look like they were just doing it as a cash grab and not for any artistic merit. Wouldn't they perhaps prefer to do something new?
I'm not saying it isn't a good play. Just perhaps already over-exposed.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:40pm

It’s always done everywhere. That didn’t stop Paul Newman from returning to the stage for the first time in 40 years to do it and turning into a must-see event. Just because a play is done in cafetoriums across America, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve top notch productions.

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:51pm

Jordan Catalano said: "It’s always done everywhere. That didn’t stop Paul Newman from returning to the stage for the first time in 40 years to do it and turning into a must-see event. Just because a play is done in cafetoriums across America, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve top notch productions. "

I agree it deserves a top notch production, but I think the real question is will people pay to see one. Will enough people pay Broadway prices to see something a local community theatre or high school will undoubtedly do within a year or two? Maybe with a big name, but that big name would also presumably cost a lot of money as well.

[FosseTharp]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 3:55pm

The only way I can see a revival of OUR TOWN on Broadway in the foreseeable future is if it was Cromer’s production at Circle in the Square. OUR TOWN has become the equivalent of Sam Mendez’s Cabaret, IMO. It’s become the definitive version. I mean Cromer won a McArthur Genius Grant for that production....

[Georgeanddot2]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:01pm

I WISH Cromer's production would come to Broadway. Even as just a super short run. I would imagine that costs would be low.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:02pm

I’d love to see that again!

[Pashacar]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:03pm

FosseTharp said: "The only way I can see a revival of OUR TOWN on Broadway in the foreseeable future is if it was Cromer’s production at Circle in the Square. OUR TOWN has become the equivalent of Sam Mendez’s Cabaret, IMO. It’s become the definitive version. I mean Cromer won a McArthur Genius Grant for that production...."

I was going to say. No one is going to top it. But wouldn't be upset at it reappearing.

[JVJ93]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:08pm

Danny Burstein as the Stage Manager please.

[52889j]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:09pm

As much as I don't care for this play, I would bust the door right down to see Ronan and Chalamet as Emily and George.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:14pm

I would love if the Cromer version resurfaced. 

[bwayboy22]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 4:19pm

My first thought was, Laurie Metcalf could do this after Salesman, but you all are right if this has any chance at being commercially viable they need a huge name to make it an event. Morgan Freeman would be excellent. Also love the Ronan/Chalamet pairing. What about Meryl returning to Broadway after 40+ years away. This could have a great list of rotating stars as the stage manager if produced properly. Would love to see the Cromwell version.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 5:00pm

I have kiddos reading this right now and I think it’s time. I was a teenager the last time around and it moved me immensely, but living, loving, and losing makes me appreciate it more.

Cromer’s version is spectacular and I wouldn’t mind a restaging of that. If someone took this on, I have to admit I want some big names. Maybe a rotating cast?

[LarryD2]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 5:07pm

I love Cromer's production of Our Town, but it strikes me as the kind of staging that needs a very specific, intimate, non-proscenium kind of space to work. With the exception of Circle in the Square, I can't imagine any other Broadway houses would be appropriate for it. On top of that, it might be interesting to see what kind of vision a new director would bring to the piece.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 5:07pm

I just thought of Chalamet as well. Though I wondering is a Emma Watson would work. Instead of Ronan. But yes please for Tom Hanks and Meryl streep

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 5:09pm

Im all for a Cromer directed re do.

[markypoo]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 7:38pm

Watch the movie.
Again, if you've already seen it.
At least two of the OBC members are in it.
The most authentic version available; IMHO.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 8:06pm

LarryD2 said: "I love Cromer's production ofOur Town, but it strikes me as the kind of staging that needs a very specific, intimate, non-proscenium kind of space to work. With the exception of Circle in the Square, I can't imagine any other Broadway houses would be appropriate for it."

 

Any reason it has to be Broadway? There are plenty of flexible and intimate off-Broadway houses that might work well. 

 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 3/2/20 at 8:18pm

markypoo said: "Watch the movie.
Again, if you've already seen it.
At least two of the OBC members are in it.
The most authentic version available; IMHO."

I recently saw it on TCM; it was really hard for me to get through.  After an hour, I gave up.  I think it works better on a stage.  I agree that the only way this will succeed as a for-profit engagement will be if at least one role has a mega-star OR it gets such an incredible production that it becomes a must see event.  That rarely happens...the lactone I can think of off the top of my head is A Moon for the Misbegotten..in 1973.

 

[BenElliott]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 7:57am

OMG Someone get behind the Cromer version. Some of the greatest acting/directing I have ever seen on a stage. Literally a life changing production. Get some stars to pad out the smaller roles and prop it up at CITS for a limited run.

Who needs money? Do it for the ART!

[LarryD2]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 8:29am

JBroadway said: "LarryD2 said: "I love Cromer's production ofOur Town, but it strikes me as the kind of staging that needs a very specific, intimate, non-proscenium kind of space to work. With the exception of Circle in the Square, I can't imagine any other Broadway houses would be appropriate for it."



Any reason it has to be Broadway? There are plenty of flexible and intimate off-Broadway houses that might work well.

"

Of course not. But multiple people in this thread are saying "They should bring the Cromer production to Broadway." Personally, I'd much rather see a new interpretation of the play.