Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

In their production of Thorton Wilder’s Our Town, there are hardly any flaws for me to write of. Well, perhaps, I well divulge on the pleasantries on my first attendance to RSVP, which stands as one of Northern California’s oldest community theatre. The theatre is a charming old barn house that has gone through a few renovations. It is located in the Marin Art and Garden Center, so one is treated to nice stroll on the garden path from your vehicle to theatre. The lobby displays archives of production posters and a framed copy of the company’s first production in 1930. Along with a well rounded cast under Richard Wilson’s direction, the establishment is ideal for a production of “Our Town.”

In 1940, Frank Capra had directed film adaptation, which he collaborated with the composer Aaron Copeland. With a drop screen of blue sky in the background, RVP had assimilated the surrealism of the film. Wilder had called for no props nor set for his play. RVP’s set had minimal furniture, and has use two opposing ladders for the window scene between the young neighboring Emily and George. Without props, the cast had pantomimed the daily routines of their archetypal characters that resided in a sleepy small town New England town of Groves Corner in the time of the 1910’s. I was reminded that their daily life was more physically laborious, since they went without the luxury of modern day appliances.

If you are unfamiliar with “Our Town”, its simple dialog conveys philosophical insight. Wood Lockhart, as the narrator, addresses the audience in a charming and lively manner. His descriptions of the town’s lay out come to life in his eyes and his magnificent use of the fourth wall, i.e. when he faces out to the audience. He speaks of the “facts that is important to know.” Yet, the scenes between the characters displayed more of the emotional life of the town. It is a play of bittersweet nostalgia, weighing the importance of knowing facts versus the personal life of human beings.

Emily Webb, a young girl who eventually matures in to marriage and motherhood, is the central character of the play. Vivian Kane portrays her with an enduring temperament. However, Kane could display more maturity in Emily in the third act. Emily’s young love who becomes her husband, George Gibbs, is performed with great sincerity and eagerness by Francis Serpa. As youngsters, Emily and George live adjacent to each other. The clever stage design by Ian Swift lays out the two households of the Gibbs and the Webbs. As the narrator introduces the families, both Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibb are seen preparing breakfast for the families as they go about their daily lives. Costume designer, Michael A. Berg, adorned the whole cast with precisely the fashion of the time and place.

Time elapses over the play as some characters pass away. The final scene takes place in a cemetery. Instead of gravestones, the actors who play the deceased are sitting in row of seats as they reflect on their mourners and the life left behind and prepare for what is to come. The scene is a tender reminder on life’s briefness, yet the eternal role that humans take part in. I was further moved by the genuine compassion of the cast. Returning to the stage after a twelve year hiatus, Kathleen Gerard performed her role of Mrs. Gibbs with joviality and warmth. Chuck Isen portrayed Mr. Gibbs with a reserved demeanor. Ketih Jefferds’ portray of Emily’s likable father, Mr. Webb, is exceptional. His affability manifests in his natural mannerisms. Jennifer Reimer gives the ideal stoicism to her role as the matriarchal Mrs. Webb.

Stephen Dietz is memorable in his performance of Simon Stimson, the town’s church organist, as is Kathryn Daskal as Mrs. Soames, the town gossip, Hugh Campion as Professor Williard, and Maurice Thouvenin as Howie Newsome, the town diary deliveryman. To express each of their effort and skills, I would need to write a whole another article. They were each specific in the mannerisms and physicality. Other notable character actors are Jeffrey Slayer, Eleanor Pugh, and Kurt Gundersen. Sixth grader Phillip Bohiman preciously performs the role of Emily’s Brother, Wally. Seventh grader, Emily Pathaman equally performs her role as George’s sister, Rebecca. Again, I can not express succinctly of all the wonderful qualities and nuances of the cast.

After the performance, the stars speckled the sky as my companion and I stroll through the Marin’ gardens from the Theatre to the parking lot. It was the perfect setting to muse over the splendid performances which carry the richness of Thorton’s profound and timely masterpiece.

March 16-April 22
Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm
Friday and Saturday evenings, 8 pm, Sundays, 2 pm
General admission:$20 seniors (62+): $17 Youth (18 and under): $17, Thursday shows are $16 (no discounts) March 23, “pay what you wish” night
415-456-9555