BWW Interviews: Jordan Coughtry and Nisi Sturgis in The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ's OUR TOWN

Romance and drama come to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey stage this week in the 75th Anniversary of Thornton Wilder's classic play, Our Town. Broadwayworld.com had the unique opportunity to discuss the show with Jordan Coughtry who plays George Gibbs and Nisi Sturgis who has the role of Emily. Both Coughtry and Sturgis have performed in numerous company productions and have impressive acting credits.

This talented pair will portray a loving couple on stage. And, it should be known that they share a real life romance as well. The two were engaged on The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Stage during the 50th Anniversary Season when they were in the cast of Trelawney of the Wells. Recently married on September 21st, they were already in rehearsals for Our Town when they flew to Arkansas for the ceremony at Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs.

The couple acknowledges that their love for one another will be an asset to the audience's perception of Emily and George in the play. Nisi said that there are actually lines in the play that were a part of their real life courtship including when George tells Emily that he is "fond" of her. Jordan spoke of the scene when George and Emily are married. He said that it has incredible meaning to him as a newlywed to realize the list of events that the narrator discusses in the play including growing old together.

Sturgis and Coughtry feel that The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey production of Our Town will be a real gift to their audiences. Sturgis believes that the audience will feel a real "connection" to the play. She points out that while it is a piece that has incredible delight and joy, it also has a brutal sense of reality. She said, "The play examines the fabric of our lives together and creates an arc. One can acknowledge the play with an open heart."

Coughtry agrees. He said, "Our Town captures the things that unite us as human beings, the things we do every day but don't always think about. It unites us in the way we try to establish something eternal in our lives." He spoke about the third act. "We are united in death, the beauty and the sadness of all of it." He further stated, "There is a combined sense of community in Our Town that all audiences can relate to."

Sturgis said of her fellow actors in Our Town. "This cast honors the message of the play. We are excited and humbled to share it."

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's production of Our Town begins October 17th and continues through November 17th at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue in Madison. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 or by visiting www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

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