Details - Our Town Evokes Laughter and Tears
Events
Event
- Title:
- Our Town Evokes Laughter and Tears
- When:
- 03.28.2009
- Where:
- Lookingglass Theatre - Chicago
- Category:
- Theater
Description
 On Saturday, March 21, 48 friends of the Raven Foundation flocked to Lookingglass Theatre’s production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder. The theatre is an intimate space with those in the first row so close they are often illuminated by the stage lighting. Ensemble members Laura Eason and David Schwimmer, who have been friends since college, played the young lovers Emily Webb and George Gibbs. As the audience followed their lives and the lives of their family and friends, laughter turned to tears in the third act with Eason’s moving attempt to return to life and Schwimmer’s grief at her graveside. Following the performance, Lookingglass Producing Artistic Director, Philip R. Smith (who played Ivan in the 2008 production of The Brothers Karamazov) joined Raven Foundation friend, Dr. Rosemary Johnsen from Governor’s State University, for a discussion of the themes of the play. Dr. Johnsen highlighted the way George tries to live up to Emily’s expectations of him. She tells him to be perfect as her father and his father are in her eyes. George accepts the challenge, and strives to become the man she wants him to be. Dr. Johnsen explained that this demonstrates the way we are all formed in imitation of our models. Mr. Smith explained the setting and costume decisions as well as the concept behind the direction by Anna Shapiro and Jessica Thebus. The actors were told that they were not to approach their roles as actors becoming the characters, but that they were to be themselves playing the role. For example, the character is not Emily Webb, but “Laura Eason as Emily Webb” or “David Schwimmer as George Gibbs”. This was done to broaden the themes to include us all – this is not just the story of Emily and George, but of Laura and David as well and all of us in the audience.Dr. Johnsen's article for Lookingglass Theatre's study guide to Our Town is available for download here. |
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Venue
- Venue:
- Lookingglass Theatre - Website
- Street:
- 821 N. Michigan Avenue
- ZIP:
- 60611
- City:
- Chicago
- State:
- IL
- Country:
-
Description
Lookingglass formed in 1988 when a group of ambitious college graduates created a process-driven theatre company and unique theatrical experience for the public. Their signature approach to developing plays involves long-term dedication to the development process, presenting work in a theatre with a configurable stage and seating that can change depending on the needs of the production. In 1992, the Lookingglass ensemble extended its vision to serve traditionally underserved populations by reaching out to Chicagoland’s diverse constituency through the creation of our education and community programs department. To date, they have produced 50 world premieres and have received 42 Jefferson Awards and citations and the 2011 Tony Award for Excellence in Regional Theatre.
The Lookingglass Theatre Company combines a physical and improvisational rehearsal process centered on ensemble with training in theatre, dance, music, and the circus arts. They seek to redefine the limits of theatrical experience and to make theatre exhilarating, inspirational, and accessible to all.
Two Convenient Parking Options
Discounted parking is available the day of the performance at The John Hancock Center Self Park and The Olympia Centre Self Park. Bring your parking ticket to the box office, and our staff will validate it.
- Park at The John Hancock Center Self Park, 875 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 for up to six (6) hours for only $10.00.
- Park at The Olympia Centre Self Park,161 E Chicago AveChicago, IL 60611, for up to six (6) hours for only $10.00.
These special rates for for Lookingglass patrons and are valid only on performance days for paying ticket holders. Parking spaces are subject to availability.
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