Naperville North presents 'Our Town'
Bill Burghardt is directing Naperville North High School's production of “Our Town” this weekend at Naperville North High School.
It is one of those plays that often falls into “the greatest play ever written” discussions. And rightfully so.
What Thornton Wilder created with his skeletal play is a moving and at times simple look at the way we live, the way we love, the way we die.
Simple.
But yet so complex.
I feel the greatest art is that which touches those walls a very simple work about very little, yet a complex work about very much.
Simple and complex at the same time as most excellent theater is “Our Town” (which was penned in 1938) revisits the joys and tragedies of the human condition in a way that is wise, poignant and emotionally rewarding. Many people have seen this play during some time in their lives, yet it is a play that demands to be seen again and again as all of us move through the various phases of life. In informal discussions with both staff and students, I have discovered a number of folks who have never seen Wilder's masterpiece. Here's your chance.
This is my fourth time around with staging this play. I played Mr. Webb in high school, and the Stage Manager in a community theater production. I directed the play here at Naperville North a few years back.
I am always struck by its wisdom and learn something through each experience.
This classic American Pulitzer-prize winning drama is one of the most popular plays produced ever and not just by high schools it recently ended a very popular run on Broadway.
And now a new generation carries Wilder's brilliant work onward.
“Our Town.”
Watch, feel, remember, enjoy.
‘Our Town' cast at Naperville North
Stage Manager: Rose Grizell
Dr. Gibbs: Mike Devane
Mrs. Gibbs: Stephanie Svarz
George Gibbs: Peter Sargent
Rebecca Gibbs: Kristy Stolic
Mr. Webb: Ryan Cap
Mrs. Webb: Nora Laidman
Emily Webb: Carleigh Turner
Wally Webb: Josh Tennison
Joe Crowell: Claire Shannon
Howie Newsome: Eric Jensen
Prof Willard: Kelsey Helms
Woman In The Balcony: Caitlyn Woods
Man In The Auditorium: Pat Wrodarczyk
Lady In The Box: Jasmine Miles
Simon Stimson: Olivia Bagan
Mrs. Soames: Julie Van der Wille
Constable Warren: August Signorelli
Si Crowell: Kim Dauber
Baseball Player 1: Kyle Maginot
Baseball Player 2: Brandon Rice
Baseball Player 3: Damon Haas
Sam Craig: Marie Beatty
Joe Stoddard: Meredith Shadle
Woman From Among Dead: Jessica Cozar
Man From Among Dead: Chris Devadatta
Another Man From Among Dead: Becky Cho
Mr. Carter: Cassie Fenwick
If you go
<p>What: “Our Town”</p>
<p>When: 7 p.m. today through Saturday, Oct. 28-30</p>
<p>Where: Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St.</p>
<p>Cost: $7, $6 for students and seniors</p>