Limelight Theatre Presents Thorton Wilder’s OUR TOWN
OUR TOWN – October 23rd-November 9th (3 weeks)
By: Thornton Wilder, Directed By: Ryan Mahannah
Limelight Theatre aims to provide the highest quality of artistic enrichment in St. Johns County through year-round theatrical performances, film screenings, arts education, and concerts. Limelight engages and inspires the community socially, culturally, and philanthropically. Ultimately, Limelight cultivates a diverse and multi-generational group of artists and supporters who see the value of storytelling and how it contributes to the betterment of society.
Our Town displays the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die. Thornton Wilder's final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage and to the libraries of theatre lovers internationally.
Director, Ryan Mahannah, had the following to say about his love for Wilder’s play:
“I’ve always loved the language of Our Town — it’s simple but deeply poetic. Wilder captures the beauty in ordinary moments and reminds us how universal and timeless human stories are. No matter when or where it’s performed, audiences can see themselves reflected in Grover’s Corners.”
We asked about his process in staging it and working with our actors:
“I like to stage quickly and organically, letting the actors move in ways that feel natural to them. That freedom is especially important in Our Town, where authenticity and human connection drive the storytelling. It allows the honesty of the text to come through and keeps the production grounded in truth. This cast has been such a joy to work with — they’re incredibly prepared, professional, and collaborative. Their openness and dedication make the rehearsal process not only efficient but genuinely inspiring.”
Kaylee Byers plays Emily Webb and was asked to describe her experience:
“I was attracted to the role of Emily because of the seriousness of the play. I have never been in a play straight play that was more serious. I’m an actor first, and I’m glad I get to really work on my acting abilities more and grow! Working with Ryan has been great. I love the thought-provoking questions he asks. I also love how much he pays attention to little things it makes me a lot more confident in little choices I make, even if they weren’t intentional choices.”
In terms of the most rewarding and/or challenging part of bringing Emily to life, Kaylee said, “The most challenging part of bringing Emily to life for me has been her realness. I’ve never been in a role where a character might cry because she is so overwhelmed with joy, and that’s the kind of person Emily is. She is unapologetically a very emotional person. I think for me it’s helped me discover a lot about who I am, but also how beautiful it is to play someone with such raw emotion.”
Chad Boyd plays George Gibbs. He shared his love for the play and the importance of Wilder’s place in dramatic literature:
“I love the Character of George for two reasons. One, Thornton Wilder wrote this play so incredibly well and realistically that I feel like I am not just playing a fictional character, but more so, I am a vessel to channel the energy and individuality of someone who most definitely would have lived this exact life in the early 1900's. The second reason why I love playing George is that, although he gives the trope of being the "boy next door", he has so much more depth and complexity with the relationships he has. Not only with the other characters in the show, but with his internal self as well.”
Chad said it has been incredible and an extreme delight to work with Ryan on this production. We also asked Chad why this show deserves a top spot in the American theatre canon?
“Thornton Wilder's Our Town was written in the 1930's. It delves into the topics of love, death and the beauty and malpractice of everyday common life, which still has not been matched in grave detail today. His usage of a minimalistic set swoons the imaginations of audiences to fill in the blanks and create their own ideal version of the town, which invites them to be a part of the story too. Not only that, but to have it narrated by a character labelled none other than "Stage Manager" gives the character and the play a cosmic undertone that leaves the audience trying to piece together questions and philosophical thoughts that sometimes can't quite be answered. In short, although Our Town was written almost 100 years ago, it still tackles questions, ideas, and topics that are relevant today, and will have audience members thinking of the answers long after the curtain has closed!”
ast:
Emma Begley – Stage Manager
Kaylee Byers - Emily Webb
Chad Boyd - George Gibbs
Banyan McGowen – Dr. Gibbs
Emily Layt – Mrs. Gibbs
Jad Jordon – Mr. Webb
Savanna Dacosta – Mrs. Webb
Collin James – Simon Stimson/Prof. Willard
Chloe O’Leary – Rebecca Gibbs
Teresa Harris – Mrs. Soames
Matthew Rodriguez – Howie Newsome/Joe Stoddard
Jake Ayres – Wally Webb
Tilemachos Vasileiadis – SI Crowell/Joe Crowell JR
Jim Warren -
Const. Warren/Farmer Mcarty/Sam Craig/Man in Auditorium
Jo Lynn Fletcher – Lady in the box/Stage Manager US
Raina Moffat – Woman in balcony/Female Swint
The director and cast are available for interviews and appearances.
Our Town tickets are $35.00. Seniors and Military are $30.00. Group rates are available. “Buy the House” opportunities also exist for churches to do their own fundraisers! Catholic Charities hosts many fundraisers at Limelight, and Limelight invites all organizations and companies to consider raising funds with this show. Or just come and enjoy with friends and family.