NEW ULM — New Ulm High School will be presenting the classic play, “Our Town,” to the public on Friday and Saturday in the New Ulm High School auditorium.

Both shows will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for children. Those with an activity pass get in free.

“Our Town” is an American play that comments on the ordinary lives of citizens in Grover’s Corners between 1899 and 1913. The playwright, Thornton Wilder, brings to attention how unappreciative people can become in terms of companionship, friendship, and love. The play comments on daily life, love and marriage, as well as death in its final attempt to shake us all into realizing what we have and how fortunate we are.

Sarah Thursby, the play’s director and teacher at NUHS, said that the decision to select this play came after reading it in one of her classes last year.

“I read this play with my Introduction to Theater classes last year after having only heard of its popularity among high schools and communities,” she said. “As I experienced it firsthand with a high school group, we were all taken by its powerful messages and meaningful commentary. The play seems mundane at times, but it is far from trivial in all aspects; this play rocked me to my core and stuck in my mind as something I wanted to share with today’s young people.”

Thursby said that although there’s been an added challenge with this drama, she’s excited to see the students show what they have on the stage. She’s also is proud of the work the young cast has put in so far to break boundaries at NUHS.

“I have come to realize how much more difficult it is to put on a drama than a comedy because students can’t hide behind laughter and silliness,” Thursby said. “I am most excited to watch these young people show their inner-selves, their incredible dedication, and their detailed work in mastering their stage emotions. Honestly, it’s more fun to rehearse a comedy and collaborate on goofy and comedic scenes; this cast has broken boundaries at this high school to develop their acting skills and create something deep and meaningful.”

There were over 15 freshmen that auditioned for the play, which excites Thursby for what the future might hold on the NUHS stage. She said that the largest parts are the “Stage Managers”, cast as senior Emma Maudal and freshman Jacob Martinka.

The play was originally released in 1938, which Thursby thinks is very telling to how good and interesting this play is considering how long it’s been around and how often it’s been produced.

“Due to the fact that it is the most produced high school production 80 years later tells you that there are themes and messages that transcend time,” Thursby said. “If you want to be moved and awoken from the daily grind, this is the play for you.”

Our Town

Cast Posting

Stage Manager 1 . . . . . . . . . . Emma Maudal

Stage Manager 2 . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Martinka

Dr. Gibbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitch Moellenhoff

Mrs. Gibbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellie Wilker

George Gibbs . . . . . . . . . . . .London Watson

Rebecca Gibbs . . . . . . . . . . Anne Howard

Mr. Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Braydon Hoffmann

Mrs. Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigail Allen

Emily Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . Siiri Rakowski

Wendy Webb . . . . . . . . . . Abby Bodick

Simon Stimson . . . . . . . . . Brian Longtin

Si Crowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jayden Spence

Mrs. Soames . . . . . . . . . . . Maddie Nelson

Jenny Crowell . . . . . . . . . . Alex Vigil

Constable Warren . . . . . . . Vincente Munoz

Howie Newsome . . . . . . . Renae Juni

Josephine Stoddard . . . . . Celia Fluegge

Sam Craig . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Kiecker

**Many actors listed will play numerous roles within this play**

IF YOU GO…

$5 child, $7 adult; FREE with activity pass

November 16-17, 2018 @ 7 p.m.

New Ulm High School, 1600 Oak Street