Batavia High School stages Thornton Wilder's 'Our Town'

Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" is a classic piece of American literature. When it was produced in 1938, it was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for drama because of its outstanding script.

In revival, "Our Town" has won both the Drama Desk Award and the Tony. It is a favorite of both schools and community theater groups because of its minimal set and simple costume requirements.

Batavia High School stages the classic play this weekend in the Batavia Fine Arts Centre's Black Box Theater. Produced in the round, in an intimate setting, this adaptation of Wilder's play gives the audience a close-up view of life in Grover's Corners and the fragile relationships of people within the small town.

The BHS production is directed by Batavia High School drama instructor Joshua Casburn.

"We did 'Our Town' when I was in college," said Casburn. "I tried out for the part of George and didn't get it. I was cast as the choir director and wanted to reject the part but I went back and did the part and it was one of the most rewarding parts I ever did."

Michael Gustin is taking on the role of the choir director in this production. He isn't intimidated about the challenges of the role.

"I'm very excited about doing this part," said Gustin. "I have great respect for Mr. Casburn and enjoy working with him."

Casburn is quick to return the compliment.

"This a very talented cast," added Casburn, "much more than your average community theater."

"Our Town" features a narrator, called the Stage Manager. Similar in function to a Greek chorus, the Stage Manager guides the audience, pointing out the moments that have significance within the play. The part is being split in the Batavia production between two actors: Sarah Heylmun and Johnny Hohman. Both are juniors who plan to study theater in college. They feel that working together has been a positive experience.

"I'm a bit of a goofball," said Hohman. "Sarah is so professional. She tames me in the end."

Heylmun is quick to point out her partner's special talents.

"Johnny bring so much energy to each scene," she added."It's great working with him."

Joshua Casburn believes that "Our Town" will resonate with today's audience.

"The play covers so many timeless topics," he said, "miscommunication between parents and teens; moments of unspoken, frightening, yet exhilarating love; seemingly trivial chitchat used as a bridge for real connection (social media, anyone?) and unfulfilled desires and quiet sadness."

Audiences will be moved by Wilder's well-written work and the emotional connections of the talented BHS cast. Don't miss the opportunity to see this thought-provoking production.

If you go

What: Batavia High School's production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town"

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5-6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7

Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia

Tickets: $12 online and $14 by phone or at the box office

Info: www.BataviaFineArtsCentre.org or (630) 937-8930