Classic OUR TOWN Gets Immersive Dinner Twist

Thornton Wilder's Our Town has been a staple of high schools and community theaters around the world since its premiere over eighty years ago. Audiences have been continually charmed by this deceptively simple look at the fictional New England town of Grover's Corners at the turn of the twentieth century. Majestic Repertory Theatre will provide audiences with a unique perspective on this American classic, continuing its move toward creative unique immersive experiences,

"We started planning the current season in fall of 2017, right after the October 2nd shooting," says Artistic Director Troy Heard. "So I wanted to find a play that would put us all in a room together to reaffirm our sense of community. On the surface, Our Town does reflect a community with strong values. However, the genius of the play is it doesn't stop there. It's a beautiful metaphor for the moments in life we tend to take for granted until it's too late."

Taking a cue from Wilder's metatheatricality of eliminating the fourth wall, Majestic Rep's black box theater will be transformed into an immersive town hall setting, complete with civic artifacts. The audience and actors will sit family style at tables while enjoying a three-course "potluck" dinner. As the play unfolds, the actors step into the play.

The casting also reflects Las Vegas in 2019. Traditionally performed with an all-white cast, Majestic's Our Town reaffirms its commitment to diversity with a cast comprised primarily of people of color. "We've found the universality of Our Town during rehearsals. There are moments where somebody will say 'My Cuban grandmother would say that.' And the cemetery scene in the third act is very redolent of Dia de los Muertos," says Heard.

TIGHT END continues Majestic Rep's third season, which will conclude with THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE.

Performances of Our Town will be April 11 through May 5, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Majestic Repertory Theatre is located at at 1217 S. Main Street. General admission tickets are $45 and high school students are $35, and are on sale now at www.majesticrepertory.com. Ticket price includes three course meal and non-alcoholic beverage. Call 702-423-6366 for details.