BWW Reviews: OUR TOWN at Guild Hall is American as Apple Pie

"I'm going to make speeches all my life." -Emily

Deb Campbell, director of Our Town at Guild Hall, is up to her old tricks. Once again she has delivered a tidy and timeless evening of theater.

Guild Hall Players, a ministry of St. James Episcopal Church, produces four shows a year, providing an eclectic mix of material. Topics addressed, as per their mission statement, include Faith and Reason. Our Town is no exception. Thornton Wilder's classic American drama opened last night to an eager and enthusiastic audience. Intermission takes places directly after a wedding; as an added treat, cake and punch is served as part of the reception celebration (wedding gifts in the form of donations can be given to the couple's favorite theater, Guild Hall).

"Oh Earth, you're too wonderful for anyone to realize you." -Emily

Wilder's distinctive style communicates wisdom in his deceptively simple text. Our Town explores three days of the ordinary lives of the inhabitants of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire at the turn of the century. In a tech-savvy, fast-paced world Our Town gives audiences a reason and a chance to consider their lives in a meaningful way-why are we here and what are we doing?

George Gibbs (played by Ryan Schafer) and Emily Webb (played by Molly Tully) have a darling chemistry. They play well off each other and embody the innocence and nobility required for the arc of each character. Larry Hartley as Mr. Webb conveys his usual flawless honesty. What can Wichita do to convince him to perform more often? Local directors, take note. Gaye Tibbets is a surprising little gem from a very strong ensemble, including Mary Dolan and Anthony Ritz. David N. Stone plays the stage manager. Stone has a natural and easy stage presence, but at times spoke tentatively.

The rest of the cast includes John Dalton-White, Brian Welsby, Michael Criss, Cheryl Pearce, Katheryn McCoskey, Chris Carlson, Caryn Lehr, Ashley R. Cravens, Robert Green, Woody Swain, Gina Austin, Stephanie Brean, Jessica Gaddis, Diane Tinker Hurst, Ellsworth Kauffman, Jewell Martinez, Dalton Jay Nelson, Sally Pedruzzi, Wanda Rogers, and Andy Weaver.

"Everyone has the right to their own troubles." -Dr. Gibbs

Melissa Hudson as Rebecca Gibbs employed the attitude of a modern preteen, which is inappropriate for a girl at the turn of the century; however, as the evening progressed her character matured, as did her performance. In the famous window scene she was conveying the honesty of the text not with attitude, but with simplicity and wonder.

While the costumes, by Greg Dalton-White, were flattering on each actor and individually attractive, the look was not cohesive.

Our Town runs through October 5 with performances on the 3rd and 4th at 8 pm and the 5th at 7 pm. St. James Episcopal Church is located at 3750 E. Douglas in Wichita, Kansas 67208. Tickets are $12 at the door. For more information call 316-683-5686.

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