Booked & Scene

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is one of those plays that seems simple on its surface but cuts deep the more you sit with it. Set in the small town of Grover’s Corners at the turn of the 20th century, the play follows the ordinary lives of its citizens: births, marriages, and deaths reminding us of the fleeting beauty found in the everyday. Lyric Stage’s production, directed by Courtney O’Connor, leans into both the intimacy and the universality of Wilder’s work, offering audiences a look and a reminder at how much we overlook in the rush of living.

Brightest Lights in the Sky

Josephine Moshiri Elwood was a true highlight as Emily Webb. She captured Emily’s journey from bright-eyed schoolgirl to reflective young woman with ease, her ability to shift through ages both believable and moving. Her Act 3 performance, in particular, was filled with such honesty that it struck right at the core of Wilder’s message. Opposite her, Dan Garcia as George Gibbs brought warmth and sincerity. His George was a little awkward, a little eager, and wholly genuine exactly what the role calls for. Together, the two created a partnership that felt grounded in everyday affection rather than theatrical artifice.

And then there was Will McGarrahan as the Stage Manager, an absolute standout and the linchpin of the production. With a role that demands both distance and intimacy, McGarrahan struck the perfect balance. He invited the audience in like a trusted guide, carrying us through the play’s shifts in tone with ease. His warmth and storytelling ability gave the piece its heartbeat, and his presence lingered long after the final blackout.

Neighbors and Kin

This was, above all, a cohesive ensemble effort. Thomika Marie Bridwell as Mrs. Gibbs and Amanda Collins as Mrs. Webb grounded the play with both humor and heart, their object work making invisible kitchens and chores feel tangible. De’Lon Grant’s Mr. Webb was especially engaging in his scenes with George and Emily, drawing out moments of levity and warmth. And Kathy St. George, in multiple roles, was delightful, her turn as Rebecca radiated childlike wonder, making the sibling relationship between her and Garcia especially endearing. O’Connor’s casting choice here paid off, and it was a joy to watch the entire company bring Grover’s Corners to life.

Spotlights and Shadows

Shelley Barish’s set design was inventive and effective. The wood-painted details on minimal set pieces allowed the actors’ work to remain central while still giving a sense of place. Deb Sullivan’s lighting design had moments of brilliance, particularly the depiction of stars in Act 3, which was breathtaking but also moments of struggle. At times, actors were left in shadow during key emotional beats, making it difficult to catch their expressions. Still, when the design aligned, it elevated the story in striking ways.

The Beauty of the Everyday

Lyric Stage’s Our Town reminds us why this play has remained essential for more than eighty years. Wilder’s script offers no frills, no spectacle, just the reminder that life is lived in cups of coffee, in small talk at the breakfast table, in the quiet glance across a room. This production understands that simplicity is the point, and the result is both tender and unflinching.

What makes this staging special is how fully the cast inhabits the world of Grover’s Corners, making the town feel less like a set and more like a mirror. The show doesn’t just ask us to watch these characters; it asks us to reflect on our own lives, on what we take for granted, and on the impermanence that shadows even our happiest days. This production is moving, necessary, and unforgettable. If you only have time for one play this season, let it be this one. Our Town runs at Lyric Stage through October 19, 2025.

📸: Nile Hawver