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LSU Theatre's "Our Town" Portrays
American Life at its Best
October 28, 2003
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images
 In
an age of cell phones, laptops, and beepers, many Americans yearn
for a slower pace of life and a simpler time like that portrayed
in Thornton Wilder's "Our Town."
This Pulitzer Prize winning play epitomizes fundamental American
values and the precious details of everyday living as LSU Theatre
presents the signature event of its 75th season November 22-December
7, 2003.
"For me, the play is an American tradition, a ritual wherein
we re-enact our better selves and our dreams," said director
Jane Brody. "It's
a dream of how we wish life could be."
Because of its dream-like qualities, "Our Town" is traditionally
presented in a non-realistic setting with simple costumes and sparse
scenery. Brody's production is no exception.
"It's not meant to be realistic," said Brody. "It's
a spiritual journey, not a traditional play. It represents what
we as Americans would like to think our lives were like in our mythical
past."
In the spirit of its 75th Anniversary, LSU Theatre has called upon
two of its past department chairs to make appearances in the production.
Dr. Bill Harbin and Dr. Gresdna Doty are working side by side with
a cast of undergraduate students to bring Wilder's work to life.
"It's a wonderful thing to have both of them," said Brody.
"The kids are learning from them historically but also artistically
as two old-school performers."
In conjunction with "Our Town," the Department of Theatre
is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with
a benefit party at the LSU Faculty club from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
preceding the performance on Saturday, November 22. Benefit tickets
are $50.00 and include admission to the play. Discounts are available
for students and faculty.
"Our Town" runs at 7:30 p.m. November 19-23 & December
4-6 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 23 & Dec. 7 at the Shaver Theatre
in the Music & Dramatic Arts Building on LSU's Campus. The run
starts with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview performance on Wed., Nov.
19, followed by a Sneak Preview Performance (all seats $8.50) Thu.,
Nov. 20. "Our Town" officially opens Fri., Nov. 21. Tickets
are $8.50 for students, $13.50 for LSU faculty & staff and senior
citizens, and $15.50 for adults. Discounts are available in advance
for groups of 10 or more. Tickets and more information are available
at (225) 578-3527.
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