Our Town lies in its simplicity . There is no set , and there are no props . The production relies solely on the direction and performances . And lighting becomes another character in the play . When the spectacle and bells and whistles are removed , elements like character development , relationships , vulnerability , and timing become even more paramount .
“ The students are completely exposed , which is a big risk with teenagers ! But we felt we had the right group to handle it , and we were right ! It was such a pleasure to watch their characterizations and relationships deepen and grow throughout the process . By the end , they were all giving such moving performances . I was BEYOND proud !” Speck emphasizes .
Lead actor Tanner Salinas comments on the self-reflection and focus it took to bring his character , George Gibbs , to life : “ In Act II , George is 17 years old , and at the time of the show , I was 17 as well . Playing a character the same age as me was a pretty unique and cool experience because I could easily relate to many of the things that George was going through . Though Act II is set in the early 1900 ’ s , by playing this character , I realized that a teenage guy from 1904 is still pretty much the same as one in 2024 . This connection made it easier to portray George ’ s emotions and reactions authentically . The themes of growing up and finding one ’ s path are universal and timeless , truly resonating with every generation regardless of the time period . It was fun and super fulfilling to bring a piece of myself into the role and explore those universal themes .”
Salinas reflects on the play ’ s greater theme of valuing life ’ s small moments : “ by playing George , I feel like my eyes were opened to how fast life goes , and how special and important it is to treat every moment as a gift , and not take any for granted .”
The camaraderie of the cast and crew is palpable during rehearsals and performances . Students are anchored by their pre-show ritual , circling up in prayer , each one praying over everything from lights and costumes , to tech and audience members . And for no lack of hype : a post-prayer , allhands , all-hearts , all-laughs chant : “ Who ’ s town is it ?!”... “ Our Town !”
Speck also notes , “ This script really forced the students to examine not only their own human mortality , but also what really matters in life . It ’ s not really about the big moments , it ’ s about the little ones and relationships . We spent a lot of time talking about the third act that takes place in the graveyard , and how to reconcile what physical space these dead characters were in as believers . We decided to call it Paradiso , or “ a place of rest .” Perhaps even , ‘ Abraham ’ s bosom ’ as they were being ‘ weaned away ’ as it says in the script … waiting to ascend into heaven with God .”
Speck and his expert arts team guide programmatic endeavors in the arts with worldview intentionality , helping students work through complex ideas through a gospel lens and the safety to ask questions , express emotions , and ultimately share their own journey in their work . His
Salinas reflects on the play ’ s greater theme of valuing life ’ s small moments : “ by playing George , I feel like my eyes were opened to how fast life goes , and how special and important it is to treat every moment as a gift , and not take any for granted .”
directorial decision to resurrect the cast on stage in the poignant third act , having the actors ascend upward was a powerful pivot . “ It still gives me chills when I think about it ,” says Speck . “ It was an incredibly emotional moment for the students each time we rehearsed and performed that scene . You can see that in some of the photos from that scene .”
To quote Instructor of US Jennifer Christensen whose students read the play in English class , “ Life is fully lived unfiltered , in every single moment , not the big ones or the ones we anticipate ... life is every tiny , insignificant , ridiculous , heartbreaking , glorious second ”. That ’ s Our Town .
32 PURPLE & GOLD FALL 2023-24