YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Established in 1984, The Acting Company kicks off its 40th Anniversary Season with Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN. Directed by Geof Wander, OUR TOWN is a three-act play performed without the use of scenery and very few props. It presents the fictional American town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. This play will not be like others you have seen before or what you expect. Edward Albee described OUR TOWN as “the greatest American play ever written.” 

Leading the cast of OUR TOWN are local favorites Neil Thorson as the Stage Manager, Charlotte Ramey as Emily Webb, and Nico Buttacavoli as George Gibbs. Other local favorites in the cast include Elizabeth Acosta, Ayla Beamer, Cozy Beamer, Nolia Beamer, Dennis Bissell, Morgan Cassady, Todd Chambers, Sian Comp in, Meredith Davenport, Nora Davenport, Jacob Hankins, Samuel Madrid, Foster McManus, Emma-Lee Pate,  Michelle Rewerts, Sam Scott, Megan Shearer, Miles Small, and Stuart Suwabe.

Wilder explained his vision in writing the play: “Our Town is not offered as a picture of life in a New  Hampshire village or as a speculation about the condition of life after death. It is an attempt to find a value above  all price for the smallest events in our life. I have made the claim as preposterous as possible, for I have set the village against the largest dimension of time and place. We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” 

The Acting Company is a non-profit organization who engages, inspires, entertains and challenges audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works. Our productions train and support our existing actors and provide a venue for the next generation of theater artists. We provide youth acting programs that promote life-long learning to a diverse community. We continue to celebrate the magic of live theater to illuminate our common humanity. The Acting Company brings a cultural focus to our area through live theater  by involving adults and children of all ethnicities—on stage, backstage and as audience members. Keep up on all  the fun, learn audition dates, and be in the know on upcoming shows at Facebook.com/TheActingCompany. 

OUR TOWN plays weekends February 9 - March 3 at The Acting Company, 815 B Street, Yuba City.  Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20. Opening weekend ONLY discounts are $18 for seniors, students, and military families. Best to make reservations in advance. Tickets may be purchased online at www.actingcompany.org or at the Box Office: 815 B Street, Yuba City, 530 751-1100.  Regular hours are Monday-Friday from Noon to 2:00 p.m. (except holidays). 

Curt Schroeder, one of the founders of The Acting Company, noted, “OUR TOWN was the first play  ever performed by The Acting Company in its theater at 815 B Street, Yuba City. The play is being reprised in celebration of our 40 years of bringing live theater in the Yuba-Sutter Community. You are cordially invited to  attend our 40th Anniversary Gala which will be held on March 23 at the Tri-Counties Community Center, 1830  B Street in Marysville. The evening will include dinner, an auction, and entertainment by favorite local actors  and singers. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, please call our Box Office at 530-751-1100 or  online at www.actingcompany.org.” OUR TOWN is America’s answer to Shakespeare. It will touch your heart.

AUDITIONS—COMING UP NEXT AT THE ACTING COMPANY:

The Dining Room — Written by A.R. Gurney and Directed by David Wheeler

Auditions will be held at The Acting Company, 815 B Street, Yuba City, on February 19 and 20 at 7:00pm. Six actors are needed for the roles—two men, two women, one teenaged boy and one teenaged girl.