by Corianna Lee
The popular, Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder is coming to the Pence Center of the Performing Arts at Central Arizona College on April 6, 7 and 8. The production is being produced by Blackbox Foundation in conjunction with Central Arizona College, and will feature a cast of Pinal County locals, directed by Blackbox Foundation’s Ken Ferguson.
The play nostalgically represents what was known as “small-town America” and tells the story through the everyday lives of the residents of the fictional town of “Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire” in a time period spanning 1901 to 1913.
The main character is the stage manager, who relates the story to the audience directly, as if it were a memory. Typically this play is performed on a bare stage with the performers pantomiming without the use of props. The production is in three acts, and quickly draws the audience members into the story.
With the poignant love story of a young couple growing up in “Grover’s Corners” and characters that can be recognized in so many small towns, this production resonates with those who have ever lived in a small town. There are so many themes explored, such as love, mortality, friendship and others.
“The goal is to find our own community vision in the process, to define our own little neck of the desert” Ferguson said.
Blackbox Foundation chose “Our Town” because it is such an American classic.
“We wanted to explore the sense of community by doing a show that allowed many ensemble players as part of telling the story.”Ferguson said.
Blackbox strives to provide a positive experience on stage, whether an actor is a first-time performer or a seasoned veteran. “Our Town” was a story and production that clearly met that vision.
“Our Town” will be performed April 6, 7 and 8 at Central Arizona College’s Pence Center for the Arts. Tickets are $12. For more information contact Blackbox Foundation at blackboxaz.com or Central Arizona College at eventsatcac.org.
