Stage Write

The American Player Theatre is just a quick drive north to Wisconsin. They produce a wide range of shows each summer in both their large outdoor theatre and smaller indoor location. It is always worth the drive and now in its 44 th season, there are still months left of productions available. Our Town It’s hard to explain the power of Our Town. It’s a quiet play about everyday life. It’s set in the town of Grover’s Corners, NH in the early 20th century. The cast of townspeople invites us to imagine with them as they go about their daily routines without much fuss. Truly, it sounds boring if you look at that summary. But what words can’t capture is the sweet moments between a husband and wife as they contemplate their child’s impending marriage or the zing of connection when two young teens first fall in love. Samantha Newcomb  plays Emily Webb a sharp and ambitious girl growing up in the town. Her story is at the heart of the play and it’s her brilliant, but simple observations t...

Pride and Prejudice  This story is so well-known and beloved that any new adaptation has a high bar to hit for success. The American Players Theatre’s adaptation features a huge cast complete with lovely costumes and a delicate set which switches from a small sitting room or a ballroom in a moment. Kelsey Brennan and Marcus Truschinski star as Elizabeth Bennet and the infamous Mr. Darcy. Their chemistry is electric, beginning with their first hostile scene all the way through the tender romance that develops. The play features a Lizzy that’s stubborn and self-righteous and whom you can’t help but love. Mr. Darcy is stormy and cold, right up until the moment when he bares his heart. Each of the Bennet family members was perfectly suited for their role. There was the frivolous Lydia, witty Mr. Bennet, gentle Jane, and of course, the eternally high-strung Mrs. Bennet. Brennan’s interactions with her father, played by James Ridge, were subtle and gave so much depth to the fam...