Marion, OH – America’s best loved stage play, Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” comes to the Marion Palace Theatre May Pavilion October 23, 24, 25. A talented cast of 16 tells the story of life, love and death in a small American town in this epic production directed by Danielle Knight. The Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play is scheduled for three performances: Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m.
The story follows the citizens of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire in the early 1900’s though their daily life, their triumphs and their sorrows, their casual conversations and their formal traditions. Through this simple story about small town life in times past, “Our Town” tackles universal themes of humanity relevant to every generation in every town. Centered around one young couple – George and Emily – the play traces their lives as they fall in love, marry, start a family and eventually die. The story opens our eyes to all we take for granted and brings into question life’s purpose and meaning.
Danielle Knight makes her Palace directorial debut of “Our Town”. Knight earned her Theatre Performance degree at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS and currently instructs Drama and Culinary Arts at Gilead Christian School.
She took a moment to share why so many people adore and respect this production,
“This play is performed in a way that is interesting and engaging to watch, and one big thing the audience will notice is the absence of props and elaborate set. It was written that way so that the audience can truly “enter in” to the beauty of the show, and prove that such a thing can be done, without the need for all of the extra little things we’ve come accustomed to in our culture. All of the factors in this show seek to drive home its main theme, which is that most of us do not stop to truly cherish each and every moment that we’re given on this earth. This theme resonates deeply with me, as I often stop to think of how quickly time has passed and the memories that I’ve made along the way. Everyone involved with this show, from the wonderful production team to the amazing cast, has blown me away with their love and dedication to this beautiful production; many of whom are doing this for the first time. I would like to invite you, your family and your friends to come and see the hard work we have all put into “Our Town,” and I would encourage you to open both your heart and mind to the wonderful moments it has to offer.”
Knight has selected a diverse cast of 16 talented individuals to tell the story of Our Town. Cast members are John W. Garnes, II, Dean Jacob, Owen Russell, Matt Meade, Melinda Meginness, Dee Ehrman, Chris Wiley, Jia Radloff, Hudson Russell, Hannah Reiff, Kevin Orth, Emily Yaksic, Diana Dailey, Cory Brown and Mark Leopold.
Additional artistic team members are Emily Yaksic, Stage Manager; Honey Carr, Assistant Stage Manager; Adam Radloff, Set Design; Paige Filliator, Producer; and Chelsea Van Meter, Props Mistress.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance at the Palace box office, 276 W. Center St. in downtown Marion or by phone at 740/383-2101. Box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets may also be purchased at the door one hour before the show. Sponsored by Verne Hart Insurance, Grange Insurance, Marion Community Foundation Mary H. Hollaway Fund and supported by Ohio Arts Council.
