By Jack Meyers '27
On Tuesday, November 12th, SJR students, most of them being a part of the performing arts program, saw a performance of Our Town on Broadway. Our Town is a 1938 play written by Thorton Wilder. At the head of the play is the Stage Manager, a narrator-like part who is currently being played by star of The Big Bang Theory, Jim Parsons. The story follows daily life in a small town in New Hampshire and a young romance. The play comments on the shortness and beauty of life, and revolves around a quote said by a character near the end of the show: “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?” This production, directed by Kenny Leon, is a slightly modern adaptation of the play and is advertised as a “Our Town for our time.”
SJR students arrived in New York city on Tuesday and before the show were treated to dinner at the famous John’s Pizza. Joining them at dinner was cast member and SJR alum Bill Timoney ‘76, who spoke to the students and staff members there of his experiences in the acting in and out of St. Joes.
After the show was over, Lou Liberatore ‘77, who sported his SJR hat, greeted the students outside the theater. He spoke with them about his experiences in acting, and how to get involved in professional theater whether you’re an actor or prefer being behind the scenes. Joining him again was Timoney, who spoke about his experiences in voice acting.
All in all, the students who attended Our Town were treated to a fun night that deepened their understanding of the life of an actor and what it takes.