The Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph is gearing up for a unique and innovative performance that promises to breathe new life into the classic play, “Our Town.” This rendition will blend the timeless charm of Thornton Wilder’s 20th-century masterpiece with the soulful folk-pop tunes of Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. Set to run from February 28 to March 9, this production will set the stage for an unforgettable experience that marries the past with the present in a fresh and unexpected way.
Director Ben Rapson envisions a meeting of minds between Kahan and Wilder, two artists who share a knack for capturing the essence of the human experience. Drawing parallels between Kahan’s poignant lyrics and Wilder’s profound storytelling, Rapson found a natural synergy that forms the foundation of this groundbreaking mashup. As the curtain rises, the audience will be treated to a musical journey that weaves Kahan’s melodies seamlessly into the fabric of Wilder’s narrative, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate with themes of connection, mortality, and the beauty of everyday life.
Behind the Scenes: A Director’s Vision
For Rapson, this production marks a milestone in his career as a director, having recently relocated to Vermont from Seattle. Inspired by his own personal battle with leukemia, Rapson brings a unique perspective to the play’s exploration of life, death, and the fleeting nature of time. Through his creative vision, he aims to instill a sense of gratitude for the ordinary moments that often go unnoticed and to dispel the fear of mortality that lingers in the shadows of our consciousness.
Meet the Cast: Bringing Characters to Life
As the actors take to the stage, they embody the spirit of Grover’s Corners, breathing life into Wilder’s iconic characters with a modern twist. Rita Champion, who plays Julia Gibbs, finds herself deeply moved by Kahan’s “Call Your Mom,” a song that strikes a chord in her own heart. Max Dybvig, who takes on the role of Howie Newsom, reflects on the unexpected fusion of Kahan’s music with Wilder’s timeless script, a pairing that initially left him puzzled but ultimately proved to be a stroke of genius.
As rehearsals unfold, Rapson guides the cast with a gentle hand, urging them to embrace their authentic selves and infuse their performances with genuine emotion. The minimalist approach to staging, reminiscent of Wilder’s original vision, allows the actors to inhabit their characters fully, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the audience. By stripping away the trappings of traditional theater, Rapson invites viewers to see themselves reflected in the characters on stage, forging a deeper bond between art and life.
In a world where the line between reality and performance often blurs, “Our Town” offers a poignant reminder of the beauty that lies in the mundane and the profound truths that emerge from the tapestry of everyday existence. As the music of Noah Kahan weaves its way through the fabric of Wilder’s narrative, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to illuminate the human experience and touch our souls in ways that words alone cannot express. So, when the final curtain falls and the lights dim, we are left to ponder the timeless question posed by Wilder’s Stage Manager: “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it… every, every minute?”
