The New Hyde Park Memorial auditorium transformed into Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire in November, as the drama club presented Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Under the direction of Mr. Scott, the production ran for two nights on November 13 and 14, bringing one of American theater’s most beloved plays to the stage.
The cast delivered powerful performances that captured the play’s exploration of everyday life and mortality. Senior Liam Cavanagh took on the pivotal role of the Stage Manager, serving as both narrator and occasional director of the minimalist set changes. His first entrance onto the stage marked the opening of Act 1, immediately establishing the intimate connection between audience and performers that defines Wilder’s work. Throughout the show, Cavanagh guided viewers through the fictional town while coordinating stage crew members who managed the carefully timed addition and removal of minimal set pieces that suggested chairs, tables, and other elements of daily life in Grover’s Corners.
“It was a lot of pressure, but it helped that I had become so comfortable with those lines and that scene overall. Additionally, the crowd on Thursday was very supportive, and I knew many seniors there, so that helped too,” Cavanagh said.
Jad Abukoush brought depth to the role of George Gibbs, the small-town boy navigating young love and growing responsibilities. Leah Del Orbe portrayed Emily Webb, the emotional center of the play, whose journey from schoolgirl to young bride forms the heart of the story. The chemistry between the two leads made the romance between George and Emily feel genuine and moving.
The supporting cast rounded out the world of Grover’s Corners with equally strong performances. Caleigh Grima played Mrs. Gibbs, George’s caring mother, while Carlie DiMartino took on the role of Mrs. Webb, Emily’s mother. Philippe de la Sola portrayed Dr. Gibbs, and Jay Bhandari brought Mr. Webb to life.
“I had to approach the figure in a powerful mindset. I was playing the dad, who would be the figure of power during that time. As a result, I thought I would have to have a demanding presence when I spoke, but a friendly one, being an older man and the town doctor. Overall, it was a fun role to play. While I had to be a demanding presence in the lines that I had, I still had to be soft when interacting with the others outside of being a dad,” junior Philippe de la Sola said.
The production required one month of rehearsals, as the cast and crew worked to master Wilder’s unique theatrical style. “Our Town” famously uses minimal scenery and props, relying instead on the audience’s imagination and the actors’ performances to create the world of the play. This approach challenges performers to convey emotion and setting through dialogue and movement alone.
Opening night featured a special “Dinner and a Show” event that drew approximately 20 to 30 Advanced Placement Literature and Composition students from Dr. Otton, Ms. Sansotta, and Mrs. Kaspar’s classes. The students enjoyed pizza before settling in to watch the performance. The event served a clear educational purpose as the AP Lit curriculum includes a unit on “Our Town.” Seeing the play allowed students to experience it in performance before diving into textual analysis and discussion in class.
“I think the students understand the themes of the text more for having seen it in a live production rather than just reading it,” English chairperson Dr. Otton said. “Especially when you have such an adept cast, which we’re fortunate to see.”
“Our Town” has remained a staple of American theater since its premiere in 1938, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and earning countless productions in schools and professional theaters alike. The play’s meditation on the beauty of ordinary moments and the passage of time continues to resonate with audiences nearly 90 years after Wilder first wrote it. By choosing this classic, the NHP drama club allowed students to engage with a work that has shaped American dramatic literature.
