OUR TOWN
by Thornton Wilder
Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Quadracci Powerhouse (LORT B)
April 10th - May 13th, 2018
Three-act American classic staged as an "OUR TOWN for our town" performed by a cast of actors more than fifty-percent of color, equitable in gender, and boasting strong ties to Milwaukee's theater community.
SECOND-LARGEST CAST IN THE HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE REP'S QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE THEATER
ACCLAIM
"A collection of star talent the likes of which I've never seen...outstanding...remind[s] us how glorious the world could be... OUR TOWN gets my vote for America's greatest play. ...Hazelton's is among the best...treats it with the respect it deserves. ...the number of standout moments is legion...pay maximum attention to every moment unfolding around you..." Mike Fischer, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
"...gorgeous...incomparable...brilliant moments of connection...directed with care and precision... Gordon is sublime as the Stage Manager...glorious...transcendent and heartbreaking...divine...each emotion is right-sized and real...a genius conceit, communicating the accumulated souls of generations. ...the thoughtful details in this production are exquisite. These fine points lift the play from good storytelling to utter magic." Gwen Rice, OnMilwaukee.com
"...great production...turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, the common to the sublime, and the routine into the rare...spectacular...glorious...honest... Hazelton tackles [the] complexities with aplomb and remarkable creative spirit...it's the little things that make this production so special...spectacular...heartbreaking...a marvelous achievement that Hazelton staged marvelously." Dave Begel, DaveBegelonTheater.com
"...poignant with humor aplenty...wonderful and enduring...diverse, knock-out cast...Henning and Alvarez are simply adorable as the young lovers... ...especially cool move as 31 actors pour in from the back of the house and down the aisles...singular...artful staging...celebrates the wonder of theatrics...remarkable...special...inspires laughter, sweet tears...more than a little interesting indeed." Kelsey Lawler, BroadwayWorld.com
"Highly Recommended...brilliantly shatters stereotypes...potent timelessness...beautiful and touching production...breathes new life into an American classic with innovative casting...thrilling and refreshing. ...Hazelton and his crew have proved that OUR TOWN transcend[s] time and racial divides. ...funny and touching...pitch-perfect...invaluable lesson...highly original production..." Matthew Perta, ShowbizChicago.com
"...cast of 31...Milwaukee's finest...Alvarez and Henning both give outstanding performances...as precious and heartbreaking as young love can be. OUR TOWN is absolution, and The Rep delivers it beautifully." Mary Boyle, OzaukeeLivingLocal.com
PRODUCTION PHOTOS / VIDEO
All photos by Michael Brosilow except as indicated.
OUR TOWN preview video courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
OUR TOWN director comments courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
OUR TOWN preview video courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
OUR TOWN audience reactions courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
OUR TOWN interview courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
OUR TOWN rehearsal scene courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
OUR TOWN actor comments courtesy of Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
CREATIVE TEAM / CAST
Director: Brent Hazelton +
Musical Director: Daniel Kazemi
Scenic Designer: Scott Davis #
Lighting Designer: Noele Stollmack #
Costume Designer: Rachel Laritz #
Sound Designer: Barry Funderburg #
Stage Manager: Kimberly Carolus *
Assistant Stage Manager: Audra Kuchling *
Stage Management Residents: Melia Gonzalez and Kira Neighbors
Assistant Director: Sophiyaa Nayar
Cast
Emily Webb: Cher Desiree Alvarez
Sam Craig: Brade Bradshaw
Wally Webb: Zachary Church
Howie Newsome: James Hussein Craven *
Woman in Balcony: Kim Giddens
Stage Manager: Laura Gordon *
Lady in Box: Trachel Yvette Green
George Gibbs: Di'Monte Henning *
Professor Willard: Carrie Hitchcock *
Dr. Gibbs: Chike Johnson *
Mrs. GIbbs: Elizabeth Ledo *
Constable Warren / Ensemble: James Pickering *
Mrs. Soames: Jamie Rezanour *
Simon Stimson: James Ridge *
Rebecca Gibbs: Selma Rivera
Mrs. Webb: Rana Roman *
Joe Stoddard: Jonathan Smoots *
Mr. Carter: Daniel Stock
Joe Crowell / Si Crowell: Jack Trettin
Man in Auditorium / Farmer McCarty: Jonathan Wainwright *
Mr. Webb: Matt Zambrano
Emerging Professional Resident Ensemble
Annelyse Ahmad, Anthony Baldasare, Erin Logan, Alex Morales, Kelsey Rodriguez
Young Performer Ensemble
Phinlee Clarkin, Priyanka Guptasarma, Bree Kazinski, Zabdiel Pozos-Lopez, Gabe Smith
* AEA + SDC # USA