Theater Review: 'Our Town' at Waterbury Arts Magnet School

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The students at Waterbury Arts Magnet School have put together a striking production of the classic play “Our Town.” I was invited to be part of a student audience for one of the dress rehearsals before the show opened.

WAMS theater teacher Scott Shulte directs the production, marking the second time that he has directed this piece at WAMS. As of now, the plan is to do it one more time before he retires “whenever that is.” Shulte is assisted by student Director Nadina Bhadrasain.

The iconic three act play written by Thornton Wilder in 1938 tells the story of a fictional town in America through the everyday lives of its citizens. “It is my favorite play by a mile,” he writes, adding that he is proud “of every individual in this production for helping make this story as vivid as possible.”

Shulte believes that the message is important. He writes: “If you look at your life a little differently after experiencing it, then I will be very happy.”

The play is set in Grover’s Corner, New Hampshire. Act One is called The Daily Life 1901, Act Two: Love and Marriage 1904 and the stark Act Three: Death and Eternity 1913.

“This play is dedicated to all of the families and friends that make up our shared WAMS town.”

The students have been well cast in the classic roles of the play. Grace Henderson tackles the important role of the stage manager, gracefully interacting with the audience before the show and during the intermission, or watching the action as she leans against the sides of the stage area. She also inserts herself into the action to play a few supporting roles. Lilyana Bodnar portrays young Emily Webb Gibbs and Gavin McDivitt plays her beau George Gibbs; both give strong performances.

I was especially impressed with the student performers that played the mothers of Emily and George. Hailey Auburn portrays Mrs. Myrtle Webb and Hannah Billings gives life to Mrs. Julia Hersey Gibbs. John Rush performs really well in the role of Mr. Charles Webb and Audric Lent plays Dr. Frank Gibbs. Mikayla Labbe is a delight in the role of the busybody Mrs. Louella Soames. Chloe Amdhauer appears as Simon Simson, the alcoholic organist of the Congregational Church.

Faith Petteway plays the Gibbs’ daughter, Rebecca. Greyson Pettit is Wallace "Wally" Webb and Sameer Tariq is the milkman Howie Newsome. Josie Kieras masters the role of Professor Willard and Lily Tranquillo plays both Joe Crowell, Jr. and Si Crowell. Sierra Magnavice strides about in the role of Constable Warren and Sophia Schade plays Samantha Craig and Angelica Rodriguez-Arroyo appears as Josephine Stoddard, the town undertaker.

I appreciated that the characters entered the space from different areas of the Apron Stage, making use of the entire space in order to immerse the audience in the action. Although the requisite stark set consists mostly of wooden tables and chairs, the look is perfect for the tone of the script.

Isabella Nizzardo sings beautifully as the Balladeer with Noah Gomez on guitar. George LaChance is the Foley artist up in a box above the audience.

The ensemble includes Camryn McCarthy, Isabella Parajon, Kiara Perez, Lena Warner, and Brook-Lyn Robles. Stage Managers are Aisha Etemi and Sarah Henderson.

Costume Designer Wynne Lewis captures the simple time, with the makeup and costume team made up of Emily Pennhallow and Sofiyah Shiwnarine. Sound Designer Luna Rosario made sure that everyone was heard. Deck Captain is Katie Lange, with the stage crew made up of Madison McDougall, Jessica Corrigan, and Molly Penhallow.

Lighting Designer Alex Effes adds much to the look of the play, executed by Light Board Operator Brielle Wright and Spot Light by Wynne Lewis. Alex Effes served as Technical Director, Tim Scalzo as Sound and Lighting Facilitator. Costume Designer Wynne Lewis Set Facilitators of the simple set were Mr. Jaison Rossi and the WAMS Scene Shop Class.

The three acts are presented with one intermission between Act 1 and Act 2. “Our Town” runs at the Apron Stage at WAMS March 14-16. 6:15 box office opens and thes show starts at 7:00. Tickets $10. Contact Scott
sschulte@waterbury.k12.ct.us

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.

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