Saturday, December 10, 2016

review - OUR TOWN - Grand Canyon University

Hayden Domenico and Sarah Schalick
Photo by Slaven Gujic of GCU

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

". The suggestion that we should stop and notice what is happening in life while we are living it is the simple but beautiful life lesson at the center of Thornton Wilder's Our Town. Grand Canyon University's recent production of this Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic featured rich performances and clear direction that gave significant depth and a beautiful sense of meaning to this cherished play....Under Michael Kary's clean, expert and unfussy direction... was extremely smart and didn't over sentimentalize the characters or events, something that is necessary to keep the balance and intent of Wilder's prose intact and meaningful....Hayden Domenico and Sarah Schalick created realistic and endearing portrayals of George and Emily...Domenico was adept at demonstrating the growing love George has for Emily and his steady, clear and almost silent performance in the third act perfectly demonstrated the emotional impact of loss. Schalick was luminous as the unsure Emily, ...simply heartbreaking in the third act when her character faces a major crossroad and is given the chance to look back at her life. The parents of this duo were played by Joshua Lucas, Devaune Bohall, James Coblentz, and Cameron Cluff. ...Bohall and Coblentz achieved beautiful, moving and inspiring portrayals that were even appropriately comical at times. ...The entire show is narrated by a Stage Manager,... Brenna Warren had an assured delivery of her lines that formed a solid relationship not only to the characters and the actions of the play but also with the audience....GCU's set and costume designer Laynie Nelson used the bare stage to her advantage to highlight the rich details of her impeccable costume designs...Armani Randolph's lighting design delivered some stunning visuals and Kary's simple way to demonstrate an oncoming heavy rainstorm, by having members of the cast slap their thighs at an increasing pace, added an excellent theatrical touch. Wilder's play captures the simple joys and hardships of daily life in a small town in an affectionate and effective way. While Our Town does have elements of sadness, Wilder's uplifting and simple message that every moment of life is a gift that should be treasured rang true with a gratifying sense of beauty in GCU's superb production." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

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