PULITZER PRIZE–WINNING DRAMA OUR TOWN OPENS SHAW FESTIVAL’S 2016 SEASON; Visits to Grover’s Corners begin April 9 at the Royal George Theatre

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PULITZER PRIZE–WINNING DRAMA OUR TOWN OPENS
SHAW FESTIVAL’S 2016 SEASON

– Visits to Grover’s Corners begin April 9 at the Royal George Theatre –

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (April 8, 2016) — The Shaw Festival’s 55th season begins Saturday at 2 p.m. with the first preview of Thornton Wilder’s beloved play Our Town. Molly Smith, artistic director of Washington, D.C’s Tony award-winning Arena Stage, returns to The Shaw to breathe vivid, new life into this classic piece of theatre – a talent she displayed so brilliantly in her production of My Fair Lady in 2011.

Inspired by the unassuming simplicity in Wilder’s work, set designer Ken MacDonald, costume designer William Schmuck, and lighting designer Kimberly Purtell have created a Grover’s Corners that stays true to the minimalism of the original, yet fully embraces Smith’s vision of it. Sound and music by composer and sound designer James Smith completes the portrait of this small every-town.

The journey through Wilder’s deep contemplation on love, family, marriage and death begins with the Stage Manager (Benedict Campbell). As the audience’s companion and guide, he introduces the town of Grover’s Corners and its residents: Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs (Patrick Galligan, Catherine McGregor); their son George Gibbs (Charlie Gallant); Mr. and Mrs. Webb (Patrick McManus, Jenny L. Wright) and their daughter Emily Webb (Kate Besworth). The families’ relationships are explored throughout the years, as the romance blossoms between George and Emily. Our Town serves as a reminder that the preciousness of living is found in the small, insignificant details of daily life.

This beautiful ensemble piece also features Tess Benger, Sharry Flett, Jeff Irving, Peter Millard and David Schurmann.

Our Town is on stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from April 9 to October 15 (opening May 12).

Our Town is sponsored by Gabriel Pascal Memorial Fund.
Cast: (in alphabetical order)

David Ball
Tess Benger
Kate Besworth
Benedict Campbell
Aaron Ferguson
Sharry Flett
Kristi Frank
Charlie Gallant
Patrick Galligan
Rebecca Gibian
Jeff Irving
Billy Lake
Robert Markus
Catherine McGregor
Patrick McManus
Peter Millard
Julain Molnar
David Schurmann
Jenny L. WrightCreative & Production:

Molly Smith
Ken MacDonald
William Schmuck
Kimberly Purtell
James Smith
Allan Teichman
Leigh McClymont

Sam Craig/Baseball Player
Rebecca Gibbs
Emily Webb
Stage Manager
Constable Warren
Mrs. Soames
Lady in Box/Ensemble
George Gibbs
Dr. Gibbs
Ensemble
Howie Newsome
Joe Crowell/Si Crowell/Baseball Player/Belligerent Man
Wally Webb
Mrs. Gibbs
Mr. Webb
Simon Stimson
Lady on Balcony/Ensemble
Professor Willard/Joe Stoddard
Mrs. WebbDirector
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Composer & Sound Designer
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
The Shaw Festival’s 2016 season is on stage April 9 through October 23. The playbill features Alice in Wonderland, A Woman of No Importance, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Uncle Vanya, “Master Harold” …and the Boys, The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God, Our Town, Mrs Warren’s Profession, Engaged, and The Dance of Death. Tickets for the Shaw Festival’s 2016 Season are available through the Box Office at 1-800-511-7429 or online at www.shawfest.com.
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About the Shaw FestivalThe Shaw Festival is a theatre company inspired by the work of Bernard Shaw. The Festival produces plays from and about his era along with contemporary plays that share Shaw’s provocative exploration of society and celebration of humanity.
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