School of Theatre and Dance to present Thornton Wilder’s ‘Our Town’

May 21, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. –– The University of Florida College of Fine Arts is proud to present Thornton Wilder’s beloved classic “Our Town” in early June and again in early July. Directed by Professor Judith Williams, the School of Theatre and Dance’s production in Gainesville bookends a two-week tour of performances in Brazil at the end of June.

One of the most celebrated plays of the 20th century, “Our Town” is a spiritual journey through the shifting perspectives of the past, present and future. It delves into life’s rites of passage, and seeks to find humor and value in even the smallest events in daily life.

“ ‘Our Town’ is truly everybody’s town,” Williams said.

The setting and characters, she says, are much like small towns across the United States — and the rest of the world. Also, the play has one ingredient necessary for a literary work to become great: universality. Its themes apply to everyone everywhere.

“Wilder’s script captures the universal experience of the highs and lows of everyday life, from birth to marriage to death, and even the afterlife,” Williams added. “And it reminds us of the cost of war.”

“Our Town” will be produced in the Constans Theatre at the Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion on the UF campus. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., June 8, 9 and 13, with a 2 p.m. performance June 10. Post-tour performances will be 7:30 p.m., July 6 and 7 and 2 p.m., July 8. Reserved tickets for the show are $9 for students, faculty, staff, and senior citizens with a valid ID, and $13 for the general public.

The theater is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. For tickets and information, call the University Box Office at 352-392-1653 or reserve them online at www.ticketmaster.com.