Proscenium Players present classic story of American life

Thornton Wilder's masterpiece of small town American life is now on stage at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada for the next three weekends.

"Our Town" is the first production of the Proscenium Players in the theater company's sometimes new home.

The 44-year-old troupe performed for decades at the Brewery Arts Center's Performance Hall, but is now staging plays at various venues in the area.

"Our Town," directed by Jason Macy, features a cast of 19 local actors, including Christopher Willson as the Stage Manager, Corey B. Stockton as George Gibbs and Monica Ricketts as Emily Webb.

The play takes place in the fictional town of Grover's Corner, N.H., and follows the lives of George and Emily, from childhood to marriage and death, all narrated by the character called the Stage Manager, who speaks directly to the audience.

"The play was revolutionary because it breaks the fourth wall," or the imaginary wall that separates the audience from the players on the stage, Macy said, the play's director.

The Proscenium Players' production is taking the device a step further, Macy said, and placing Main Street in the theater's aisles so actors enter and exit through the audience. Also, the audience acts as silent extras when everyone becomes part of the play's wedding scene.

The actors will be in costumes from different eras to emphasize the play's timeless appeal.

"The play itself is normally set in the early 1900s, as a slice of American life," Macy said. "But there really is a greater universality."

The play touches on universal themes of love, community, and the ephemeral nature of life.

"It is one of those classic American plays that hits upon what it means to be human," Macy said.

The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada. General admission is $15 and $12 for seniors, students and members of Proscenium Players Inc. For more information, call 883-6442.

The player's next production will be a mystery, "Murder at the Tonylou Awards," in January. It will be performed at the Gold Dust West Casino in Carson City.

If you go

What: Proscenium Players production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town"

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-10 and 16-17

Where: Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.

Cost: $15, general admission; $12, seniors, students and PPI members

Details: For more information, call 883-6442