If you are new to Our Town I envy you. A joyous discovery awaits you.

You may have read (or are about to read) Our Town in English class or caught a glimpse of it on television. You may even think you know everything there is to know about this masterpiece.

Set in the early 20th Century, Our Town follows the lives, loves and losses of two families in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Weaving truths, humor and themes that relate to all ages, master storyteller Thornton Wilder crafted a timeless tale that has appeared on stages around the world since its debut in 1938 (and most recently revived in New York with Paul Newman at the helm). As the Stage Manager explains, the play shows us “the way we were: in our growing up and in our marrying and in our living and in our dying.” It is simple, yet profound – a must-see for families and school groups. To see Our Town is to rejoice in the ordinary, everyday events of our lives…to appreciate what the character Emily Webb means when she says: “Oh, earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you.”

Under the poignant direction of Lauren Caldwell, the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire is populated by many local actors. Joining the cast of this Pulitzer Prize-winning play are Hippodrome company regulars and Gainesville residents David Shelton (Stage Manager), Nell Page (Mrs. Gibbs), Sara Morsey (Mrs. Webb) and Gregg Jones (Mr. Webb). Back the second time this season is local actor Bryan Garey (Dr. Gibbs) who was last seen in the season opener, The Underpants. Making their mainstage debut after appearing in the Florida Senior Playwright Festival this past fall, are Susan and Randall Moring (Mrs. Soames and Professor Willard/Constable Warren) -- a husband and wife acting team from Ocala. Other Hippodrome newcomers include UF theatre student Lara Briney (Emily Webb) and New York actor, Justin Tolley (George). Rounding out the cast are the talents of Hippodrome interns and apprentices, UF theatre graduates and four local boys who will alternate the role of Emily Webb’s younger brother, Wally.

As if this timeless story coupled with a terrific cast weren’t enough to draw you in, the creative minds behind the production’s design will. The talented team of designers have proven how to transform a simple setting into a profound palette of color, texture and atmosphere. Mihai Ciupe’s beautiful labyrinth-like set reminds us of the earth we live on, the journeys we travel, and the vast galaxy that holds us. The mood and motion of the play’s atmosphere is created largely through the vision of Resident Lighting Designer Robert P. Robins with enhanced environmental elements from the Sound Design of Graham Johnson and Properties Design by Lorelei Esser. One of the most labor-intensive and creatively detailed designs, however, belongs to Marilyn A. Wall, Resident Costume Designer. Marilyn and a team of assistants, worked hundreds of hours to achieve the period details necessary to support the 14-character cast of the play’s early twentieth century town. You can expect the Hippodrome’s designers to surround your senses with the same power as the poetry of Mr. Wilder’s words. Arrive a little bit early to view some of Marilyn A. Wall’s designs in our display area near the Hippodrome’s bar and a special gallery exhibit with artifacts from “Our Town – Gainesville.” As you arrive in the mainstage, be sure to take in the scenery and notice all of the lighting instruments that will soon transport you to Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, 1901. A joyous discovery truly awaits you. Don’t put it off.

" Beautiful and remarkable. One of the sagest, warmest and most deeply human scripts…a spiritual experience" – New York Post.

This study guide utilizes elements of the Sunshine State Standards for Theatre, Language Arts and Social Studies in grades 9-12.

This guide was created by Steve Phillips (Design and Layout), Tamerin Dygert (Features Writer), and Blythe Usher (Research Contributor)

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