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Thornton Wilder's Our Town

Presented by Stratford Senior High School at Stratford Senior High School

April 22-May 1, 2010

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Stratford High School Playhouse closes its '09-'10 season with Thornton Wilder's Our Town.

Opening April 22nd, "Our Town" is a favorite play of Tish Driscoll, a Stratford High English teacher who has taught there for 28 years. Cast as the stage manager, Driscoll narrates the story of two families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually die. Driscoll has long had ties to the Stratford theatre program, she was married to the late Tim Driscoll, founder of the Stratford Playhouse. This production has special meaning for her.

“When Mrs. Prudhomme and Mr. Clayton approached me last spring to be a part of their production, I was apprehensive. But sharing the stage with such talented and dedicated cast and crews has allowed me to experience a different aspect of theater. Buying a ticket and enjoying a show is a herculean difference from being under the lights -- I imagine Tim snapping his fingers to quicken the pace each time I speak. I'll definitely keep my day job!"

"Our Town" is a beloved American classic due to its wondrous simplicity and universality. It is unconventional in that it has minimal props or sets. Author Thornton Wilder presented the script in this way to force the audience to focus on its themes and characters. In 1938, "Our Town" won him the second of his three Pulitzer Prizes. Simplicity and universality are the same reasons why, during the 70 subsequent years, it has been one of the most frequently produced American plays, from high schools to Broadway revivals.

Director Christian Holmes relates “When the play was chosen, I wanted to direct it because it’s a classic. I last read the story in high school. Re-reading it in summer ‘09, I fell in love with the play all over again. The story is so important. It speaks to us as human beings about being alive, being “present” … appreciating life’s smallest events—good or bad. I think it is so popular now because it reminds us to focus on what really matters in these busy, challenging times.”

In March, the Stratford Playhouse received 12 Tommy Tune nominations for their musical, "Steel Pier". This follows on the heels of their 2008-2009 success with Barnum (12 nominations and 6 Tommy Tune awards, including Best Musical).

We invite you to join us and experience some of the magic created by these very talented young thespians.