Our Town

by Thornton Wilder

Dundalk Community Theatre
CCBC Dundalk, John E. Ravekes Theatre March 3 - 12, 2023


	Director Jennifer Gusso
Stage Manager Lisa L. Boeren	Costume Coordinator Nina Surr	Properties Manager Amy Vickers
	Technical Director, Lighting, Scenic & Sound Designer Marc W. Smith

OUR TOWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of
Samuel French, Inc with the cooperation of Thornton Wilder family.
250 W. 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10107-0102
www.concordtheatricals.com

Please silence all noise making devices.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Dundalk Community Theatre is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. To discover more about the Maryland State Arts Council and how they impact Maryland, visit msac.org.

Director's Note

When trying to explain what is so special and important about Our Town, it is hard to find words that are any better than those that Thornton Wilder himself uses throughout the piece. Wilder’s Stage Manager, who you will soon meet, is a truly fascinating invention. The character is self-aware of its own existence within a work of fiction, and, therefore, makes commentary on the importance of the play in which they exist as a character. As you listen, I am certain that you will draw your own conclusions about what it is that he wants us to understand about the human experience.

Our Town can seem very simple on the surface, yet, in every re-read and re-watch I notice some little detail that wasn’t evident before. The theme that rises in my mind one day is complicated, altered, or added to with each new visit to Grover’s Corners. This is even more true through my work with this incredibly talented cast and creative team. It is always powerful to create a hive mind around a piece of art and see all the unique perspectives coming together to create something new and fresh.

Of all the many important musings on life that are brought forth in this piece, the one that resonates the most is the one that justifies all the time and energy that I have spent, and that so many others have spent, living in this and other fictional worlds. The Stage Manager will explain it better than I will, but, here is what really matters: In fictional worlds, we can see the real world. We can truly see the world as it was.

When we see the world as it was, it is often surprising both how similar it is to and how different it is from the world that is. These are not just antiquated visions of the past. They are real people who reflect things that are still true for us and for our world. Even without milkmen and paper boys and prescribed gender roles, we can see ourselves in the way that they lived and loved and died. By the time that the Stage Manager tells you about that something “eternal,” you will likely already have seen what they mean.

This may be a work of fiction, but my hope is that the people of Grover’s Corners will soon feel very real to you. The characters are intended to be so real that you don’t even need intricate props or fancy sets to transport you to their world. I truly hope that you enjoy your visit as much as I have.

Cast

Mo Tacka

Stage Manager

Molly McVicker

Emily Webb

Owen Roughton

George Gibbs

Mare Kemp

Mrs. Webb

Colby D. Sample

Mr. Webb

Adam Nelson

Dr. Gibbs

Sharon Maguire

Mrs. Gibbs

Klawdia Gong

Rebecca Gibbs

Ethan Buttman

Wally Webb

Dave Guy

Professor Willard/Joe Stoddard

Daniel Luber

Howie Newsome

Cathy Herlinger

Mrs. Soames

Leonard Gilbert

Constable Bill Warren

Dylan Burmeister

Simon Stimson

Jamie Luber

Joe Crowell/Baseball Player

Edwin Walker

Si Crowell/Baseball Player/Mr. Carter

Creative Team

Jennifer L. Gusso

Director

Lisa L. Boeren

Stage Manager

Nina Surr

Costume Coordinator

Marc W. Smith

Technical Director/Scenic, Lights, Sound Designer

Amy Vickers

Properties Manager

Andrew Boeren

Light & Sound Operator

Gordon Lord

Stage Crew

Trent Haines-Hopper

Production Photographer

Lobby Display

William Lunner

Gigi Causey, Amy Sacks

Production Liaison to the Board of Directors

Meet the Company

Mo Tacka

Stage Manager

(They/She) This is Mo’s first production with Dundalk Community Theater, and couldn’t be more excited to show you around Grover’s Corners! Mo is a two-time Kennedy Center Irene Ryan nominee. Some of their most notable, and favorite, roles include (but are not limited to) the Stepdaughter in Six Characters in Search of An Author, Susan in [title_of_show], Jean in Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Grandpa/Cletus Jones in The Trail To Oregon, Jo March in Little Women, and Inga in Young Frankenstein, along with countless short films. Mo hopes that you enjoy, and resonate with, tonight’s show. She asks that you look to your left. Look to your right. And enjoy every moment. “I want to thank my mom, Brian, Maddie and Kenzie for always having my back and encouraging me to be the best version of myself. I would also like to thank my designated line reader, Pat. I literally could not have done this without you.”

Molly McVicker

Emily Webb

Molly is a freshman at Harford Community College. She has performed in many community productions such as Legally Blonde (Vivienne), SpongeBob The Musical (Plankton) and Disney's Frozen (Elsa). She has been inducted as a member of the International Thespian Society for her commitment to theatre over the past 4 years. Molly would like to thank her girlfriend and family for supporting her. Enjoy the show!

Owen Roughton

George Gibbs

Owen has enjoyed performing at Dundalk Community Theatre. His recent credits include Grantaire in Les Misérables at Hereford High School and Albert in Newsies at The Children's Playhouse of Maryland. When Owen isn't performing on stage he's either writing short stories or learning an entirely useless skill. He wants to thank his friends and family for their never-ending love and support.

Mare Kemp

Mrs. Webb

Mare is making her DCT stage debut as Mrs. Webb! Mare hasn't performed in many years and is thrilled to have the opportunity to join this talented cast! Mare lives in Baltimore City with her fiancé and works for the HR technology company, ADP. Mare would like to thank Dom, Mom, Dad, Will and James for their support and encouragement in pursuing this passion!

Colby D. Sample

Mr. Webb

Colby is a seasoned actor returning to theatre after a long hiatus. He is the rapper for local rock band Wazzup. They can be found on Facebook. Their next concert will be 3/31 at the Purple Moose Saloon in Ocean City, MD

Adam Nelson

Dr. Gibbs

Adam is excited to make his stage debut with Dundalk Community Theatre. Adam loves being part of the local theater community that has given him the opportunity to perform in shows such as My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Shrek, Hello Dolly, Young Frankenstein, Jekyll & Hyde, Titanic, Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. When not in rehearsal, Adam enjoys writing, ballroom dancing, and singing in a barbershop chorus. Adam thanks Jennifer Gusso for this wonderful opportunity to be back on stage!

Sharon Maguire

Mrs. Gibbs

Sharon is thrilled to be performing with DCT for the first time! Sharon earned a minor in Theatre Arts and Studies during her undergrad and is excited to get back into the theater more often after completing her Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Her most recent projects include Almost, Maine (Glory/Marvalyn/Shelly/Rhonda) and directing Scotland Road by Jeffrey Hatcher.

Klawdia Gong

Rebecca Gibbs

Klawdia has has appeared as a Munchkin and animal in The Wizard of Oz, the witch in Shrek, Lady Larkin in Once Upon A Mattress, Mrs Beauregard in Willy Wonka, Dad (Maurice), villager, enchantress, and silverware in Beauty and the Beast, Mad Hatter and Troubadour in Alice in Wonderland, Snowflake in The Nutcracker, a fairy in Emerald City in Wizard of Oz and dancer in Diamond Girl. She is a 6th grader at Bel Air Middle School. She likes painting, crafting, and singing and plays violin.

Ethan Buttman

Wally Webb

Ethan is a 16-year-old homeschooled 10th grader from Edgewood, Md. He is thrilled to be making his DCT stage debut in Our Town. Ethan has been featured in numerous musicals with Street Lamp Productions. Some of his most memorable roles at SLP include Shrek (Shrek), Matilda (Bruce), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka), and The Grinch (Mayor of Whoville). Ethan would like to thank DCT for this amazing experience, and his family for all their support.

Dave Guy

Professor Willard/Joe Stoddard

Dave returns to DCT after last appearing as the Bishop in Shrek in 2017. He has appeared in 18 productions at DCT over the years, including George Hay in Moon Over Buffalo, Erroneous in A Funny Thing... Forum, Pawnee Bill in Annie Get Your Gun, and Pellinore in Camelot. Other favorite roles over the years include Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls, Amos Hart in Chicago, FDR in Annie, and Second Comic in Sugar Babies.

Daniel Luber

Howie Newsome

I have been making people laugh since I was 10 years. I was backstage in Dracula and a bit part in Anything Goes at my High School. Baltimore City Community Theater, I played Officer Brophy in Arsenic and Old Lace. In the musical South Pacific, as the airplane pilot with the Chesapeake Community Theater. Most recently at Harford Community Theater, I was both Father Ogre and PaPa Bear in Shrek the Musical. I took a few years of acting and comedy classes around town. I just want to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this production of Our Town for giving me such confidence on stage. Working with these actors and staff was such an honor. You in attendance today are in for a treat when you see the high caliper that each one of these performers put on for your entertainment.

Cathy Herlinger

Mrs. Soames

This is Cathy's third time "treading the boards" at DCT, her best-loved part there being Birdie in The Little Foxes. Other favorite roles include Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Rogue Swan Theatre); Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (Phoenix Festival Theatre); Vera Charles in Mame (PFT); Chelsea in On Golden Pond (Spotlighters); Elaine Wheeler in Night Watch (Tidewater Players); Sister-Woman in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (PFT); Mollie in The Mousetrap (PFT); Ernestina Money in Hello, Dolly! (PFT); Emily Brent in Ten Little Indians (PFT); Cassie Cooper in Rumors (PFT); Ms. Darbus in High School Musical (PFT); and, Sister in Damn Yankees (Milburn Stone Theatre).

Leonard Gilbert

Constable Bill Warren

After the pandemic eased, Leonard reappeared in Cockpit in Court’s 2022 production of Night Watch. He has performed in area community productions of Arsenic and Old Lace, Never too Late (Harry), The Odd Couple (Oscar), Little Foxes, Evita, Once Upon a Mattress, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Oliver, Cabaret, Inherit the Wind, Sweeny Todd, Urinetown to name a few and was one of the many extras cast for House of Cards. Leonard sang with Opera AACC in their productions of Phantom of the Opera (Firmin) Pirates of Penzance, Elixir of Love, and The Merry Widow. He performs regularly with the murder mystery troupe of whodunnitforhire and the St Johns Church Chorus, Hydes, MD. Leonard spends his daytime hours practicing his Architecture profession. Thank you, Pat for all the good times.

Dylan Burmeister

Simon Stimson

Dylan is a senior at C. Milton Wright High School. He would like to thank Ryan Burmeister for the inspiration for being a angry drunk. And also would like to thank Mrs. Gusso for another amazing show. As well as Mrs. and Mr Burmeister for all the support.

Jamie Luber

Joe Crowell/Baseball Player

Jamie is very excited to be making their Dundalk Community Theatre debut in this classic play! You may have previously seen Jamie as the Mayor of Munchkin City/Featured Ensemble in the Bel Air Drama Company's production of the Wizard of Oz last November, or as a Featured Soloist in Tidewater Teens' production of RENT: School Edition last July. When Jamie is not performing, they love to draw and are currently writing a musical. Jamie would like to thank all of the cast for their wonderful support in this process, Ms. Gusso for giving them this wonderful opportunity, and the people who come and see this show! Break a leg everyone! And enjoy the show! :)

Edwin Walker

Si Crowell/Baseball Player/Mr. Carter

Just a guy who loves acting, and making music for the world to enjoy. While in grade school Edwin played Mike Teevee in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Bill in School House Rock Jr. High School productions include Brett in 13 Ways To Screw Up Your College Interview, Piangi in Phantom Of The Opera, and the narrator in All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten. Our Town marks Edwin's DCT debut. Enjoy the show. God bless ❤️🙏