BWW Reviews: OUR TOWN at GSP; A Perfect Portrayal

"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?-every, every minute?"
Thornton Wilder, Our Town

The George Street Playhouse (GSP) in New Brunswick is currently staging Thornton Wilder's classic American play, Our Town. Their production is a triumph for this beloved play that depicts family life in the fictional, small town of Grover's Corners in the early twentieth century. Whether you first encountered Our Town in a literature class or have seen it before, you will not want to miss GSP's captivating rendition; a theatrical gem that is a perfect finale to their 40th Anniversary Season.

Our Town is currently celebrating its 75th Anniversary. The iconic play, in three acts, has scenes from the town's history from 1901 to 1913 that are performed without a set. Actors mime many of their actions using scant props. With the extraordinary direction of David Esbjornson, the GSP Company captures all the beauty and flaws of day to day living.

Leading the impeccable cast of seventeen is Boyd Gaines in the role of the Stage Manager. He strikes just the right tone as he narrates the events unfolding onstage. Outstanding performances take you into the very homes and hearts of Dr. Gibbs (Sean Cullen), Mrs. Gibbs (Kati Brazda) and their neighbors, Wally Webb (Matthew Kuenne) and Mrs. Webb (Kathleen McNenny). The young neighboring teens, George Gibbs (Pico Alexander) and Emily Webb (Aaron Ballard), will charm you with their tender romance.

GSP's production has staging that transports the audience right into Our Town, and makes it feel like your own town. While most of the action occurs onstage, the aisles and other spaces in the theater are used in some of the scenes; milk deliveries, choir practice and George and Emily's wedding.

As the Stage Manager states, "There's something way down deep that's eternal about every human being." And, it is the superb performance of Our Town at George Street Playhouse that movingly depicts the most genuine and enduring qualities of mankind.

The production marks the beginning of the landmark collaboration between George Street Playhouse and Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts. The cast includes current students and alumni of Mason Gross School and members of the greater New Brunswick community.

The citizens of the mythical Grover's Corners will be on the New Brunswick stage through May 25th. Tickets, beginning at $20.00 are available through the George Street Playhouse Box Office at (732) 246-7717 or online at www.gsponline.org. The playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in the heart of New Brunswick's vibrant downtown.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

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