Elgin school to stage 'Our Town'
What was small-town life like 100 years ago? Theatergoers can visit fictional Grover's Corners without leaving Elgin this weekend, when Westminster Christian School stages "Our Town."
Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4-5, at the school, 2700 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.
The Daily Herald caught up with director Anna Stroud, theater and English teacher at WCS, to find out more about what went into this production.
Q. Why did you choose "Our Town" for Westminster's spring play?
Stroud. I chose "Our Town" because it is one of my favorite plays of all time. I first saw the show when I was in high school. My friends put it on for their senior play. It made me ask the paramount question, "How am I using my time? Am I walking around sleepwalking?" I worked with it again in college, during directing class. It has come up at pivotal moments in my life and reminded me of the precious gift that life is. It's sentimental, sweet, and engaging.
Q. Describe the casting process for this play.
Stroud. The students performed a minute monologue as their initial audition and did cold reads of certain slides for call backs. I was looking for confidence and preparation. It's also very clear when you see the show that some actors just fit into their roles perfectly. For example, some teenagers act motherly and some have a more youthful aura. It's also important to me to let students try new challenges. I want upperclassmen to learn from the responsibility of a lead and underclassmen to gain the trust of working with "smaller" parts.
Q. What were some of the biggest challenges in putting together this production?
Stroud. The biggest challenge for "Our Town" is learning how to pantomime. So much of the show is done without props. The idea is that all the "props" of life are trivial compared to the relationships around us. That theme was hard to wrestle with for many of the actors. Trying to string beans, wash dishes, pull a horse cart around stage or drink ice cream sodas without props (and make it look real) is no small task.
Q. What do you find most rewarding about directing this show?
Stroud. The greatest reward is watching students grow into their characters and appreciate this play. So many of the students have evolved into bold and strong actors through this process. Once they jumped the hurdle of memorization, they threw themselves into the story and characters. That is the growth that is such an honor to be a part of. I also love that at the end of the show so many of the cast members say, "I'm actually crying. This really is moving." Watching them connect with such a powerful piece of art is beautiful.
Q. What do you think will be the audience's favorite part of this show?
Stroud. I think the audience will love the soda fountain scene. This is when George and Emily first know they are in love. This scene is sweet and nostalgic. For all those in the audience who have ever experience true love it'll bring back a lot of sentimental memories. Mr. Webb is one of the funniest characters. He has a great scene with George that the audience will get a kick out of. Watching him interact with his future son-in-law is quite comical.
Q. What else makes this show unique?
Stroud. I want readers to know that this show has stayed in the top six most performed plays in high schools around the nation for 80 years for a reason. It is timeless and gripping. Thornton Wilder calls his audience to leave the show with a new vigor and passion for living.
Q. Where can readers get tickets?
Stroud. Tickets range from $5-8. There is a discount for seniors and students. You can go to www.tix.com and search "Our Town" to purchase tickets. You click on the event title to take you to the ticketing screen. You can also call Westminster at (847) 695-0310, ext. 218, to order tickets.