At the Waldorf School of Garden City, it is a custom and tradition for the sophomore class to perform a play, entertaining parents and family, friends, students and the community. The class of 2016 will perform Our Town by Thornton Wilder. This play will be performed on January 30th at 7:30 pm, January 31st at 1:00 pm and the final performance on February 1st at 7:30 pm, and will take place in the School Auditorium. Donations are encouraged.

Mrs. Deirdre Burns Somers, the director of the play as well as the high school’s English and drama teacher, said, “I am extremely excited to direct such a marvelous play, using an equally marvelous cast. From day one, the students have given their all towards making this an unforgettable experience that everyone can enjoy.”

Written by the highly esteemed playwright Thornton Niven Wilder (April 17, 1897 – December 7, 1975), Our Town captures the lives of average, small town citizens in the early twentieth century, between the years 1901 and 1913. The play follows the Webb and Gibb families, and other residents as they go about their daily lives in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. The drama, at times, narrated by the stage manager, is produced without a set, and the actors conduct themselves without the use of props. The play written in 1938 went on to win a Pulitzer Prize, and received highly favorable reviews from The New York Times. Despite the passage of time, this play still remains highly relevant, allowing the audience to connect deeply to the characters, and even encouraging the audience to ponder many of life’s complex issues.

In preparation for their production, the students utilize many aspects of their education as they explore their artistic and creative abilities; designing costumes, singing, acting and working backstage as well as integrating their history and English classes as they “live” in the time period. Such a production stimulates growth and self-confidence in a student’s mind and creates fun and lasting experiences.