Stage III's OUR TOWN Now Playing Thru Jan. 23

Stage III Community Theatre presents Thornton Wilder's classic American play OUR TOWN, Jan. 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m.

It takes a large cast to bring a small town to life in Stage III Community Theatre's production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder -- twenty-six actors to be exact, playing the residents of rural Grovers Corners, which audiences will find has a remarkable connection to Casper, Wyoming.

Our Town revolutionized American theatre when it was first produced in 1938, with its bare stage representing many locations and its characters who age from childhood to adulthood and even take us with them into the afterlife. But the play is as timely today as it was when written - focusing on the essential, basic elements of life: love, faith, work, commitment, honesty.

The production is directed by Dob Wallace, assisted by Eric Coates. The cast includes Cal Strand, Steven Spicher, Graham Wallace, Patrick Hunter, Audrey Egan, Teresa Petrosky Wallace, Sterling Harvell, Micki Wallace, Jonah Spicher, Katie Peters, PJ Rose, Dave Kutzer, Sandra Porter, Daniel Michielsen, Karen Hatlestad, Lee Jones Mosser, Janet Wolfe, Dob Wallace, Josh Kirkman, Kayla Albertson, Josh Kirkman, Heather Judd, Phil Brown, Eric Coates, Jessica Jones, and Adreanna Brownfield.

Director Wallace emphasizes that while the play has its serious moments, it isn't sad and mournful. There are many humorous scenes and the overall message of the production is a positive one. "This play is about realizing and celebrating life," he said. "Wilder is reminding us that we can never know what the future may hold, so it's important to live each day to the fullest and appreciate the people around us." While many theatre-goers have seen productions of this play in the past, Wallace invites Casper audiences to visit Our Town once again, and enjoy the local twist on this classic work.

Our Town is sponsored by Hilltop National Bank and produced with support from the Wyoming Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Performances are January 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 17, at 2 p.m. The show is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and students, available in advance at Grant Street Grocery, Metro Coffee Company, and the Cadillac Cowgirl, and at the door beginning one hour before each performance.

For more information, please visit http://www.stageiiitheatre.org/index.php