Milford CT Celebrates Their Town with "Our Town" Community Event

MILFORD CELEBRATES THEIR TOWN WITH “OUR TOWN” COMMUNITY EVENT

A Collaboration of Collaborations with Milford Arts Council’s Eastbound Theatre, The Milford Public Library, The Milford Historical Society, The Milford Concert Band, Milford UCC Church, Milford City of Compassion "Chalk the Walk," dignitaries, and more.

On August 24th, The MAC's Eastbound Theatre is proud to bring a FREE one-day outdoor community staged reading of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, celebrating its 25th year in the small city with a big heart - Milford CT. The reading will begin at 1pm and take place at various locations around Milford CT with 30 minute breaks in between each act so that participants can stroll from location to location, grab a snack or drink, listen to music, and follow the “Chalk the Walk” symbols on the sidewalk along the way.

Our Town is a play (within a play) written by Thornton Wilder in 1938. It tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover's Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. The main character is the stage manager of the theatre who directly addresses the audience, brings in guest lecturers, and fields questions from the audience.
Our Town celebrates the joy of living simply, in the present, with gratitude for relationships, community, and small blessings. Actors will be reading from a script with a “suggestion” of period costumes and props.

Featuring a cast of dignitaries and notable community members: Senator James Maroney; Mayor Ben Blake: Alderman Frank Smith; Milford Concert Band; Dan Brownell & the UCC Choir, a mystery tour guide and others, this event is unique and exciting for all community members.

Participants will meet at the gazebo (bandstand) on the Broad Street Green. They are encouraged to grab a picnic & some lawn chairs at noon to enjoy The Milford Concert Band prior to the 1pm reading start time. The Milford Historical Society will also open its doors at 10am for its "Our Town, Our Story" a photographic art exhibit which will be on display through October 6th.

Executive Producer Nancy A. Herman has arranged to have each act directed by a different Eastbound Theatre director. She will direct Act One on the green in front of the gazebo, Mike Shavel will direct Act Two on the veranda in front of the Parsons Building overlooking the waterfall, and Tom Rushen will direct Act Three behind the DAR next to the cemetery. Ann Baker is Associate Producer.

Lorie Lewis, Marketing Director of the MAC, states, “This is a wonderful way to kick off our season and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Eastbound Theatre. Milford is a magical community, and this traveling reading of Our Town will remind all participants from Milford and beyond to be present, be joyful, and learn how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life...it’s the secret that Milfordites know very well.”

SPECIAL BONUS! Thanks to our generous local artists and patrons, an “Our Town” pop up exhibit is now on display through August 24th, featuring Milford scenes by Milford artists - including contributions from the collections of Milford residents. Roger Van Damme, Chris Wrinn, and the MAC’s past executive director, William Meddick are just a few of the artists on display. Pop in Tues-Fridays 11am-5pm or on event day between strolls from Act 1 (on the Green) to Act II (at Parson’s Center).

FULL SCHEDULE can be found at https://www.milfordarts.org/ourtown

Follow us on fb: @MilfordArtsCouncil and ig: milford.arts
Call 203.878.6647

Milford Arts Council would like to thank Milford Bank and Colony Grill for making this event possible and Stonebridge Restaurant for sponsoring the after-party.

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The Milford Arts Council provides audiences, students, and artists with opportunities and experiences in the arts that enlighten, enrich, and entertain Milford, CT and beyond. The vision is to see creativity happening everywhere, making Milford a thriving destination community of culture.