A long-standing tradition has a senior (or two) direct the winter drama production. Morgan Saunders has successfully produced Thornton Wilder's classic tragicomedy Our Town which plays tonight and Saturday at 7:00. Wilder once wrote to Gertrude Stein, "It's a little play with all the big subjects in it."

Set in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, one hundred years ago, the play employs several surprising dramatic choices with great effect. The set--itself--is minimalist, and the actors use pantomime to serve meals, drink from a glass or lead a horse.

The audience is caught by the transient, precious nature of ordinary life. As the stage manager informs us early on, "Nice town, y'know what I mean? Nobody very remarkable ever come out of it."

In casting the roles, Morgan blended experience with new talent. The power of the play comes not in riotous humor or blazingly fast action, but in the meaning of the ordinary moment in which we live.

Reflecting on the production, Morgan notes, "'Our Town' has always been my favorite show and the chance to direct it as I visualize it was incredible. It is a very difficult show and this cast has dug in and done great work. In comparison with some other shows I have been in, this cast gets along so well and our largest problem was people having too much fun."

Morgan continues, "Directing was really difficult and there are days when I wondered what I was doing, but this week it really fell into place and I am just excited to share it with the community. I wish everyone could have seen the progression to understand how great every actor is doing, but you will just have to take my word on it."

"My tech crew has done so much work and everything on stage only happens with their support. I would not have made it through without the support of everyone... I could not have asked for a better team."

"It will be strange when its over because it was so much of my life, every person involved I know better and respect more than when we started."

"Enjoy the Show!"

Congratulations, Morgan and to the cast. You can be sure we will enjoy it!