By: Joseph Szalinski
Decades before Midwesterners made viral videos advertising their cities, featuring flammable rivers and diseased fish, they wrote plays about fake northeastern towns because few cared about the real ones. One such town, Grover’s Corners, which, sadly, has nothing to do with Sesame Street, is the setting of The Summer Company’s latest production, Our Town, directed by Heather Ruppert, now running at Duquesne University’s Genesius Theater.
Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play-within-a-play has returned to the stages of the Steel City after a decade-long absence. I mean, the guy’s other most famous work is about a bridge disaster, so I’m surprised he isn’t some local pariah. Audiences are treated to a show about life in Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913. This rendition, however, is subtly set in the 1930’s, the decade in which the play was written, without altering the script, as if a subsequent generation of townsfolk is reenacting the trials and triumphs of their predecessors. We meet all sorts of people, from families to more distinct individuals, and see how time treats them. The town changes as well, with the introduction of automobiles and shifting demographics, such as the Polish diaspora. Gotta watch out for the Poles. One of them might grow up to write a review of the town’s meta-play.
A hallmark of this production is its sprawling cast, and the actors who comprise it ensure there’s no shortage of talent. Shepherding spectators is Mark Yochum as the Stage Manager, the world’s best tour guide. Leah Klocko and John E. Lane Jr. are marvelous as Mrs. Gibbs and Doc Gibbs, respectively. Ryan Graves is fantastic as George Gibbs, a role that allows him to showcase his emotional range. His younger sibling, Rebecca Gibbs, is portrayed by Ellie Troiani. Bob Hartley does a tremendous job as Mr. Webb, the editor of the town newspaper, while Shannon Galligan-Stierle is a formidable force as Mrs. Webb. Madeline Zabela delights as the bright and brilliant Emily Webb. CJ Gatsby is another actor adept at portraying a younger relative, in this case, Wally Webb. Rachel Potts does double duty as the doomed Joe Crowell Jr./Baseball Player, along with Annalyssa Pace as Si Crowell/Baseball Player. Frank Schurter displays wonderful physicality as Howie Newsome/Heckler. Tim Ruppert is a lot of fun as Professor Willard, a role he seems more than fit to play. Travis Barkefelt can balance the comic and tragic elements of his character, Simon Stimpson, the choir director. Lisa Rugh laughably loves a good wedding with her portrayal of Ms. Soams. Rounding out the engaging ensemble are Nancy Batko as Constable, Lorrie Lykins as Samantha Craig/Heckler, Deborah Geary as Heckler/Cemetery Resident, Ashley Caldwell as Josephine Stoddard, and Jay Keenan as Cemetery Resident.
Technical elements are present despite the minimal props and simple set, which are staples of Wilder’s vision. Aubrey Posluzny helps bring order to the chaos as the production stage manager, assisted by Ashley Caldwell and Rachel Pott. Set designer Joe Hartnett, who also serves as technical director, does his part in fabricating a fleshed-out world that doesn’t rely on as many bells and whistles as a typical production. Justin Ocepek-Sines and Antonia Gelorme work their magic as lighting designers, with the latter serving as lightboard technician alongside Erin Fulton. Arii Metz crafts a superb sonic supplement as sound designer, expertly executed by Darius Pollnac as soundboard technician. Ashley Caldwell creatively clads castmates as a costume designer. Ashley C. Brown masterfully handles marketing and social media. Finally, Jill Jeffrey wraps things up as producer.
The Summer Company has graced the boards since 1993. Primarily focusing on shows from 1850 to 1950, they have expanded to include more recent productions and even an original musical. Returning to their wheelhouse for this classic, they take advantage of the opportunity to show folks why they’ve managed to stick around for over three decades.
Genesius Theater is a beautiful venue in the city. While a part of Duquesne University’s campus, it can exist by hosting a variety of troupes and companies. Shows are small enough to retain a degree of intimacy, but seating space is large enough to accommodate fairly sized crowds. I’ve seen a handful of productions there already and look forward to seeing more.
-JS
Our Town continues its run June 25-27, with two performances on Sunday, at Duquesne University’s Genesius Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh. For tickets or additional information, click here.
