Cygnet Theatre Presents A Modern Take On OUR TOWN, Closes 7/10

With the final echoes and razzle-dazzle of Cygnet's latest production playing throughout the weekend, Artistic Director Sean Murray is making preparations to strip the theatre bare and bring in his largest cast to date for something entirely different. Rehearsals are underway for Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-Winning OUR TOWN, featuring an impressive array of San Diego actors including Resident Artists Jo Anne Glover and Francis Gercke as the young lovers, Emily and George, and Sylvia M'Lafi Thompson as the over-seeing Stage Manager. OUR TOWN will close at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town July 10th, 2011.  

Wilder's OUR TOWN is arguably one of the most iconic plays of the twentieth century. Its seemingly simple story of the communal life in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, has spoken to generations of audience members about love, companionship, choices and change. The unique construct of the play - which calls for no set, little-to-no scenery and minimal props, along with an interactive Stage Manager - was the playwright's response to a belief that "theatre was not only inadequate, it had become evasive." Wilder hoped that this shift to the bare essentials would direct more attention to the words and story and therefore have greater impact. Indeed his play has become one of the most produced and recognized across the globe. It has been turned into multiple films, an opera, television productions and even a 1955 musical TV adaption. The 2009 revival at Barrow Street Theatre ran for 644 performances, making it the longest running production of the play in its history.

The moving artistry of OUR TOWN has long been loved by Artistic Director Sean Murray. However, the oft-produced antiquated stereotypes of the piece concerned him, too. "The story is so beautiful and universal," said Murray. "It truly speaks to everyone. But the normal casting of the piece sets it back and makes it feel like an historical piece about a select few." Murray's decision to select a color-blind, age-blind cast was his conclusion. "I want the audience to see themselves represented on the Cygnet stage. I want the town to truly be our town and not a mythical place in New England."

The selection of the OUR TOWN cast became a unique puzzle. Without the typical stereotypes to go by, the casting process focused on each actor's essence. The challenge of pairing the internal energy and heart of Wilder's characters with modern individuals of various races and ages opened the door to a rich and diverse cast. Fortunately for Murray, actors came out in abundance, making the audition process the largest in Cygnet's history. Hundreds of men, women and children signed up for an opportunity to audition for the well-loved classic production, extending the auditions over five days. The result is a truer representation of the town we live in and thus, Murray feels, in keeping with Wilder's intentions.

The cast of OUR TOWN will include many familiar faces from San Diego Theatre including Cygnet Resident Artists Francis Gercke (Love Song, A Number, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) as George Gibbs, Jo Anne Glover (The Norman Conquests, The Receptionist) as Emily Webb, Jim Chovick (A Christmas Carol, Desire Under the Elms, Copenhagen) as Professor Willard, Jason Connors (Noises Off, Arcadia) as Joe and Tom Stephenson (The History Boys, My Fair Lady, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) as Simon Stimson. Other cast members include Robin Christ (Man from Nebraska, Bug, Las Meninas) as Mrs. Gibbs, Keith Jefferson (The Piano Lesson) as Dr. Gibbs, Dale Morris (The Receptionist) as Mr. Webb, Sherri Allen as Mrs. Soames, Scott Andrew Amiotte as Sam Craig, Everett J. Davis as Constable Warren, Yolanda Franklin as Mrs. Webb, Jonah Gercke as Wally Webb, Ralph Johnson as Joe Stoddard, Cashae Monya as Rebecca Gibbs and Eddie Yaroch as Howie Newsome. Serving as the Stage Manager and guide will be Sylvia M'Lafi Thompson (SD Critic's Circle Award Winner - Fences).

OUR TOWN will begin previews Thursday, June 9th, 2011, at 7:30 pm at Cygnet Theatre located at 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Opening Night is Saturday, June 18th, and the show runs until July 10th. A special talk-back forum with the cast is scheduled for Friday, June 24th. Surround Events featuring Cygnet's new book club and readings from Thornton Wilder's The Bridge of San Luis Rey performed by artists with WRITE OUT LOUD are scheduled for Wednesday, June 22nd, and Monday, June 27th, respectively.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet's website at www.cygnettheatre.com or by calling the box office at 619-337-1525. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting Cygnet's box office located at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

 

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