Lyric Stage at MC presents timeless theatrical masterpiece ‘Our Town’

Lyric Stage at MC will explore life, love and death in a small town when Mississippi College’s musical theater team presents “Our Town,” Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1938 play, for four performances March 26 through 29.

"Our Town” is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. A “preview” performance is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. All performances will take place in the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall in the Aven Fine Arts Building on the Clinton campus.

Performed on a minimalist set, the play is guided by a Stage Manager who focuses on the Webb and Gibbs families of fictional Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, particularly the romance between Emily Webb and George Gibbs.

Jamie Ertle, MC assistant professor of music and theater, who is directing the performances, said “Our Town” offers a chance for audiences to unplug from the demands of the world and reminds us of the importance of appreciating the everyday moments and simple pleasures of life.

“In a world that is increasingly more technology-based, “Our Town” references the beauty of nature and how important it is to connect with this world that God has given us,” Ertle said. “It shows us the importance of connecting with the people in our community who make our lives what they are.”

A Clinton native, Ertle helped bring “Our Town” to life as a student performer at MC 10 years ago. She said MC’s “town and gown” relationship with Clinton helps make the play relatable to residents.

“During MC’s bicentennial year, I thought it would be a good time to emphasize that connection,” she said. “‘Our Town’ is such a beautiful story about family and life. It’s set in a place that can represent any small town. It has characters you recognize. It’s about normal, everyday people who care for each other.”

Onyx Sandle, a junior music major from Clinton who plays Mrs. Gibbs, said the play offers extraordinary insight into the daily lives and loves of its characters.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the audience watch a production that will leave them thinking long after the play is over,” said Sandle, a veteran of Lyric Stage at MC performances of “Guys and Dolls” and “The Addams Family.” “For me, the biggest challenge is the older dialogue and getting the rhythm of the lines together. But this play will pull raw emotions out of the audience.”

Slade Haney, who portrays George Gibbs, refers to “Our Town” as “an American classic.”

“With any historical work, there is a challenge to make the story applicable to the current generation,” said Haney, a senior biology/pre-medicine major from Piedmont, Alabama, who portrayed Gomez in Lyric Stage at MC’s “The Addams Family” production last fall. “I feel we’ve been able to do just that. The show covers topics from trivial arguments to first love to the unexpected death of those we hold dearest.

“I hope audiences will gain a new appreciation for the little moments in life that are so easily passed, but become our fondest memories.”

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting music.mc.edu/tickets. Tickets cost $15 each for general admission and $10 for students and MC faculty and staff. MC faculty, staff and students can attend Thursday’s preview performance for $5 each. Preview tickets may only be purchased at the door.