The Penn Yan Academy Drama Club will present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town this weekend, the first show in the Penn Yan Central School District’s “Living Out Loud” series.
Originally written in 1938, Our Town has become a timeless classic since its publication. Throughout the story the Stage Manager (Sophomore McKelvie Jensen) helps to highlight day-to-day life in the small fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, focusing especially on the Webb and Gibbs families. The Webb household consists of Mr. Webb (Senior Zack Blauvelt), the editor of the local paper, his wife (Freshman Amelia LeVea), his daughter Emily (Senior Ruby Schwartz), and his son Wally (Junior Owen McFarland). A young Emily develops a close friendship with their neighbor, George Gibbs (Sophomore Jacob Eskildsen), who lives with his father Dr. Gibbs (Junior Paul Gaston), his mother (Junior Rielly Stewart), and his younger sister Rebecca (Freshman Mary Gulick). The play traces this friendship as it grows into something more across the years, though this is simply a lens through which the audience can catch a glimpse of small town life. Grover’s Corners is brought to life by its numerous other inhabitants, played by cast members Lee Miller, Juan Espana, Violet McCarley, Collin Cummings, Ollieve Hawthorn, Riley Dallos, Hailei Kirkland, and Raigen Sayers. The town and its people help us to see the beauty and the importance of everyday life.
Our Town, directed by PYA Chorus and Theatre teacher Jessica Kinsey and stage managed by Junior Mia Bodine, will run Friday October 27th through Sunday, October 29th in the Penn Yan Academy Auditorium. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7PM, with a Sunday Matinee at 2PM. Presale tickets are available at Long’s Cards and Books, Milly’s Pantry, and Pinckney Hardware for $8 for students/seniors and $9 for adults. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $9 for students/seniors and $10 for adults. Please note that seating for this performance will be limited.
Also available this year is the PYCSD Drama Season Pass, which allows entry into five district shows for only $30! Contact [email protected] for more information.