WADESBORO - I had the pleasure of revisiting the community of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire by seeing the play “Our Town” Wednesday night when Director Tommy Wooten graciously let me sit in on a dress rehearsal.
The play opened Friday night at the Ansonia Theatre in Wadesboro.
While you may have seen “Our Town” before, like I had, you haven’t seen THIS production of “Our Town.”
The play has actors and actresses from Rockingham whom you may know. One such individual is veteran actor Robert Graves, who plays the stage manager that keeps the audience informed of the goings-on of Grover’s Corners. Those who have seen Robert Graves in other plays will know to expect great acting and those that haven’t seen him act before are in for a treat.
Amanda Moss plays the part of Emily Webb, and does so wonderfully. Also from Rockingham are Mia Grace Franco who plays Rebecca Gibbs with enthusiasm, and Alex Hill who is a veteran actor as well - he performs as both Constable Warren and Sam Craig.
There are also actors and actresses in “Our Town” that you may not have seen unless you have been to the Ansonia before. It is worth the trip to see them in my opinion; each one has a long list of plays in which they have been involved. They include Tommy Wooten, Chipper Long, Michael Phillips, Cheryl Stewart, Tyson Levitt, Carolyn Munn, Douglas Kleeves, Ann Crescitelli, Teri Brown, Ayla Perkins, Sarah Kalish, Glenn Caulder, Caden Clarke, Isaac Clarke and Carson Traywick.
The play has always been great and Wooten’s direction of it is no different. From the set, the lighting, the sound, and all other facets, Wooten makes sure everything is in line.
You may find yourself becoming attached to the characters of Grover’s Corners, especially to the young couple Emily Webb and George Gibbs, the latter played by Carson Traywick. Carson plays the part so well with boyish awkwardness that you start to think back how it was to be a teen in love.
Do yourself a favor and make the trip across the river to see this version of “Our Town." You may see me there, I am going back next week!
Editor's note: This review of "Our Town" was provided by Cleve Baxley, a long-time contributor to the Richmond Observer.
