Courtesy Theater in the Woods
Cast members of “Our Town” are pictured (L-R, front row): Robin Chesnut-Tangerman, Marshall Squier, Rainbow Squier, Melissa Chesnut-Tangerman, Ben Green and Bruce Bouchard; (L-R, back row) Wheaton Squier and Glenn Tarbell.
April 15, 21, 22— Theater in the Woods Vermont Co. kicks off its third season of activity with a workshop presentation of Thornton Wilder’s masterpiece of small town life, “Our Town,” on Sunday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at the Old Tinmouth Firehouse; and Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m., both at the Federated Church of Castleton.
The Wilder play first premiered 80 years ago in Princeton, N.J., and then enjoyed a long Broadway run. “Our Town” has endured as a staple of theater companies large and small throughout the nation ever since, for a good reason: its clear-eyed look at the themes of the stability of traditions and family, the steadfastness of the natural environment, and the transience of human life is just as illuminating today as in 1938. Theater in the Woods Vermont board member Bruce Bouchard commented, “It is fascinating that in the original publication of this beloved script, the dedication reads, ‘Dedicated to Alexander Woollcott, Castleton Township, Rutland Vermont.’ This 80th anniversary workshop is a wonderful full circle to the state of Vermont.”
Theater in the Woods staff member Megan Bouchard, who is directing the workshop, commented, “We are approaching ‘Our Town’ with a modern specificity that emphasizes its timelessness. In this workshop, we’re stepping outside of some of the play’s traditions, which allows us all to make deeper connections to the universality of this masterpiece. It has been an honor to explore this play with these brave, talented actors.”
The cast is composed entirely of Rutland County Vermonters, including Bruce and Kate Bouchard; Melissa and Robin Chesnut-Tangerman; Benjamin Green; Wheaton, Rainbow and Marshall Squire; Glenn Tarbell; and Emma Luikart.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, payable by cash or check at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales support the Theater in the Woods Camp Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit theaterinthewoodsvt.org.
