Our Town, a play by Thornton Wilder, at the Barrow Street Theatre. Directed by David Cromer, starring, David Cromer, Lori Myers, Kati Brazda, James McMenamin, Ken Marks, and Jennifer Grace. "Our Town" as directed by David Cromer (a production originating in Chicago), is reborn as if a brand new play, and not a time honored antique.
"Our Town" is searing in this deceptively simple staging which puts the actors among the audience as the play and Grovers Corners itself unfolds around it. Each act builds in intensity -the last act is nearly unbearable in its power and poignancy. We're used to "Our Town" as a sentimental tear-jerker of the life, love and death of young Emily Webb, usually played by glamorous actors like Martha Scott, the first Emily or Teresa Wright who was in the original cast. This cast looks as if it were pulled from the audience, and the naturalism and "everyman" quality quickly bring us into their community, their lives, and ultimately their profound humanity. Seemingly not acting at all, not showing a hint of actorly posturing or temperament, this is that rarity often spoken of, but seldom truly encountered - art that conceals art. Each actor gives the most lifelike, utterly sincere performance in this miraculous production. Three I would single out for special praise are Kati Brazda so centered as Mrs. Webb, David Cromer ideal as the Stage Manager, and the towering Emily of Jennifer Grace, who is absolutely unforgettable. No one who sees Grace's Emily will see the role again without measuring it against her definitive portrayal of our time, in what is the "Our Town" perhaps of all time. Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test Grade A+