Upper School Play 'Our Town' A Hit With Audiences and Critics

The Upper School live production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town took place in the McGregor Family Theater over four shows last week. The timeless production featured 17 actors and a student technical crew led by sophomore Jack Justus.

Director Darcy Rice says that the play’s stripped-down metatheatrical style put the emphasis on the play’s central question: “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?”

Conrad Kistler as the all-knowing stage manager narrated the play through the three acts and transitioned into the scenes seamlessly to become part of the action as well. He led audience members on a journey over time even while the play remained set in the town of Grover’s Corners. 

The plot followed the families of Emily Webb (Aili McGregor) and George Gibbs (Andrew Ashman) as the young couple fell in love, got married and experienced loss. The Webb family included Rylan Rodrigues-Zahn as Mr. Webb, Makayla Arnoldi as Mrs. Webb and David Greuel as son, Wally Webb. The Gibbs family included Mari Edler as Mrs. Gibbs, Cole Robinson as Dr. Gibbs and Gigi Policicchio as Rebecca. Many cast members played different roles in this production such as Greta Blau, Vernon Edler, Link Canchola, Michaela McCusker, Kate Carr and Lola Quan. Jake Reeves appeared throughout as the milk deliverer, Howie Newsome. The choir director character, Simon Stimson, was played by Dean Woods. All current COVID protocols were adhered to closely in this production.

According to Cappies critic Natalie White of San Juan Hills High School, “The creative layout and earnest message made for a superb presentation.”

Here are photos from the performances: