Teens Tackle Wilder's Take on Community Bonds

 Teen Repertory Company brings Thorton Wilder’s classic and influential play, Our Town, to the stage this weekend and next.

Our Town tells the story of the average citizens of Grover’s Corners, N.H., during the years of 1901-13.

“Many students were surprised when we added Our Town to the Oddfellows season," said Executive Director Matthew Pugliese. "This is not a simple, vanilla story. This is an exploration of some of the most important experiences many of us will be lucky to have in our lives — falling in love, marriage, and saying goodbye.

When the play premiered in 1938, the narrative and storytelling devices employed by Wilder and central charater, the stage manager, were a completely different take to the theater of its time. The metatheatrical elements shaped drama for decades to come. 

“To me, Our Town's lasting meaning is most clearly illustrated through the character's ties to one another and their community. In each act, the singing of the hymn, "Blessed be the Ties That Bind," highlights the character's bonds that exist in family, love, and death. Whether coming from a small town like Grovers Corners or a large city, we are bound by our personal relationships and connections to our community,” said Director Missy Burmeister. 

The play centers around the story of two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs, and their children’s journey from childhood to adulthood as they question, “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?” 

"In a very basic, yet very profound way, we are asking the actors and audience to honestly evaluate what their life has been and what it will be,” said Pugliese. 

The production runs May 11-12 and 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. Anyone bringing a canned food item for will receive a $2 discount. Tickets are available online or by calling (860) 347-6143.