Review: OUR TOWN is a Poetic Look at Life, Love and Death

The Shaw Festival tackles Thornton Wilder's masterpiece OUR TOWN, directed by Molly Smith. The quiet tale is presented in three acts, following the story of a small town at the turn of the century. A number of years pass between each act, allowing for audiences to delve deeper in the lives - hopeful and tragic of its townspeople. Starring Charlie Gallant, Kate Besworth and Benedict Campbell, this moving production also features Patrick Galligan, Catherine McGregor, Patrick McManus and Jenny L. Wright.

OUR TOWN raises the notion of rushing through life - as opposed to taking the time to appreciate the small details and moments as life passes by. Each progressing act happens after an increasing number of years, with each act moving faster. It's a unique parallel to life - so many events are happening in the lives of these townspeople that audiences also don't realize how quickly time is passing. It's a heartfelt and poignant piece in Jackie Maxwell's last season as Artistic Director at Shaw, it's a reflective and poetic take on life - looking to appreciate the moments and details of the passing years.

The main storyline follows the romance of George Gibbs (Gallant) and Emily Webb (Besworth) from their innocent and charming courtship to their eventual marriage. Gallant and Besworth have a natural chemistry, captivating the hearts of the audience with their subtle glances, infectious smiles and radiant bond. The flashback to their first date having ice cream soda transported the entire audience to the joyous - yet awkward days of their own first love. This chemistry and joy continued into the days leading up to their wedding - truly a joy to witness.

After a supporting role in the festival's UNCLE VANYA, Kate Besworth is given a star-vehicle with OUR TOWN. She embodies Emily Webb in a natural way - from her awkward teenage years to a bride unsure of her choices - it's truly an encapsulating role that she captures with ease. The haunting third-act was moving, with her full range of emotions on full display. Charlie Gallant is also the charming boy next door that you cannot help but fall in love with. Capturing both the hearts of Emily and the entire audience, Gallant personifies the true gentleman of the early 1900s. He too is a perfect cast for this loving role.

George and Emily are neighbours in the small town of Grover's Corners, with Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb setting the stage for their picturesque town. It's heart-warming to get to follow these families and their eventual union.

The set up of OUR TOWN is quite unique, with Benedict Campbell acting as the Stage Manager, narrating the play and setting up each scene with commentary and dialogue. Together with the play itself, creates an honest look at life, love and death. The play also features split second tableaus or stills in the midst of the life happening on stage. It adds a poetic layer to the already stunning production, again going back to the simplicity of the direction. It's on the polar opposite end of the spectrum in comparison to Shaw's take on ALICE IN WONDERLAND - and for me worked to a much higher level and capacity.

It was the subtlety of OUR TOWN that was the most beautiful and captivating. From the minimal set, props and stage design - the Wilder's words were able to shine. It also brought a parallel to the key messaging of the play itself. In the third act, Emily discovers through a series of flashbacks that it's hard to realize life while you're in it. In these flashbacks, Emily looks back at scenes of her life - now filled with props and vivid details - from the milk containers, to the breakfast on the table that were notably mimed in the prior acts. It's a stunning parallel and cause for audiences to look at these small details in a greater life - a stunning decision to raise the comparison of missing the small details while you're living life. It's this theme of ignorance or blindness of people that will resonate most with audiences. Similar to the musical If/Then, OUR TOWN forces audiences to re-evaluate the lives they live - taking more time to think of the vivid decisions and details.

After recently losing a family member, I found this play strikingly relevant to the situation of my life - a haunting parallel. We all need a reminder to stop, think and appreciate. Savour the taste of breakfast, smell the flowers around you, love the people in your lives and of course - make time for good theatre.

OUR TOWN is playing at the Royal George Theatre as a part of the 2016 Shaw Festival until October 15, 2016. For tickets and more information, visit shawfest.ca

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