THEATRE: OUR TOWN

THEATRE: OUR TOWN

You know that you’ve seen something special when the foyer is buzzing with excitement after a performance. So it was with the Sydney Theatre Company’s rendition of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Set in a fictional sleepy town just outside New York at the turn of the 20th century, the play follows the lives of children from two neighbouring families through school, love, marriage and eventually death. This heart-warming, Pulitzer Prize-winning classic captures the fleeting nature of human existence by focusing on the simplicity of day-to-day life. It leaves you feeling nostalgia for a time gone by. Iain Sinclair’s directorial vision perfectly captures the complexity of life in this earnest setting. The cast deliver outstanding performances. Their timing and authenticity introduces nuanced humour and depth to the production. Maeve Dermondy and Robin Goldsworthy are well-cast in the lead roles of studious, strong-minded, Emily Webb and playful, would-be farmer, George Gibbs. Narrated by the ‘stage-manager’ (Darren Gilshenan) the audience is included in 13 years of the families’ lives. The rustic stage design and carefully thought-out production elements cement the setting and time flies through this three act production (about 3 hours). Our Town is a delightful play and is well worth it.

Until Oct 23, Sydney Theatre, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, $30-85, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au

BY ANNA KLAUZNER

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