Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," now playing at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, is a microcosm of the universe and at its center is a shining star, Helen Hunt. Portraying the all-knowing, all-seeing "Stage Manager," Hunt puts a light on the lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, which could also be called "Anytown USA." As the "Stage Manager" who talks directly to the audience, Hunt makes witty and whimsical commentary about the events in Grover's Corners.
Helen Hunt as the Stage Manager in "Our Town"
To accommodate director David Cromer's vision for the staging of "Our Town," The Broad Stage has been physically transformed with flooring that brings the stage itself out over the area where the audience normally sits. Those seats are completely hidden and the entire room is now "the stage" with the audience, whom Cromer calls "our scene partner," seated around and among the central playing area.
Rebecca played by Ronete Levenson sits on the lap of James McMenamin who plays George. In the background is Emily played by Jennifer Grace
"Our Town" begins with Helen Hunt walking into this playing area while many in the audience are still flipping through their programs or talking to their seat mates. As Hunt begins talking, people begin to quiet down and pay attention. And as the play progresses over the next two hours, there are many moments where "rapt" is the appropriate word to describe that attention. This is not only because of Hunt's intelligent performance, but also the skillful job done by the other actors, particularly Jennifer Grace as Emily Webb, a role that Hunt herself took on early in her career.
As the central character who helps the audience understand the play's relevance to their own lives, Hunt has some big shoes to fill. Henry Fonda, Paul Newman and Hal Holbrook have previously taken on the role of Stage Manager to great acclaim. In fact, it's rare, if ever, that a woman has been cast in the part for a major production.
Helen Hunt watches as David LM McIntyre delivers a history lesson as Prof. Willard
The choice of Oscar-winner Hunt and the staging of the play in the round are just two of the ways Cromer has made his interpretation of "Our Town" stand out. Another is the lighting scheme, which is quite simple until a final poignant scene that uses low levels and back lighting to evoke a lingering sense of sadness. And finally, there is the costuming. Although "Our Town" is set in the early part of the 20th Century, the people we see are dressed in clothes from a variety of more modern eras. For example, the moms cooking those breakfasts are in jeans and the young girls wear pants when they all would have been in long dresses a hundred years ago.
Jeff Still plays Doc Gibbs
Cromer's staging of the final scene, which takes place in the town cemetery, was extremely effective, taking the action right into the audience. Many must have felt that they, too, were interred and waiting for the latest arrival. The delicate way in which this scene was handled helped to highlight what may be the play's message to us, which is that everyday life deserves our full attention and participation. "Don't miss it" is what the Stage Manager seems saying in various ways throughout the play. "It goes by so fast."
If you go to see "Our Town," and I recommend that you do, your best seats will be on the floor of the playing area, close to the action where you can feel the full force of Helen Hunt's presence and become the "scene partner" that director David Cromer intended. Seats are limited so reserve yours early. Parking is free.
"Our Town" at The Broad Stage
1310 11th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Run: Jan. 13 to Feb. 12
Tickets 310-434-3200
