‘Our Town’ sends audience to an older time

By Brendan J.P. Cahill
Cardinal Staff

The Theatre and Dance Department’s production of “Our Town” expected to entertain by ushering audiences through life, love and death in a small town during the early 1900s.  It will be performed in the Page Theatre from Nov. 8-11.

“Our Town” gives audiences a candid view into small town lives and every day moments of the inhabitants of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913.  Through the stressing of every day moments, the production portrays an array of moments ranging from situational comedy to more sentimental moments.

“We have a lot to look forward to, and the Theatre Department will not disappoint,” said senior Sarah Anderson.

The cast commits to the 1900s setting by wearing turn-of-the-century clothing. For example, all of the women on stage will be wearing corsets, which was typical of women in those days.  Apart from slight difficulty breathing, cast members are seeing another effect of the corsets.

“The corsets really help you improve your posture and get into character when wearing the clothes of the time,” said Anderson.  “It is easier it is to get into a character from that time period,”

A twist to usual productions, “Our Town” does not include a large number of props on stage.  Instead, the production sparks audience members’ imagination by simulating sounds. Behind the scenes, SMU students create the sounds that embody the interactions between people and items used in daily life.  This includes the sounds of a kitchen during breakfast time.

“It was my favorite part of the show,” said senior Rachel Kwiecinski after recollecting the simulated kitchen sounds like grinding coffee by swirling marbles around a metal tankard.