OUR TOWN | Chandler Center VT

OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder

with live covers of songs by Noah Kahan

February 28 - March 9 2025

A note from Director Ben Rapson:

Thank you to everyone who made OUR TOWN such a success! It was incredible to see you all in the crowds - including you, Noah Kahan. So, friends, do you want to hear about more Chandler theatre happenings in 2025 and beyond? Pretty please, add your name to this theatre news contact list for Chandler by filling out a form here.

Chandler Center for the Arts presents a Vermont-centric production of Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN that isn’t just the classic play that millions have watched before — this production weaves in live onstage covers of songs by Vermont’s own, Grammy-nominated musical artist Noah Kahan.

“In Chandler’s new production, gone are the period costumes and the folksy exaggerated sentimentality,” said Ben Rapson, the show’s director and lead actor as ‘The Stage Manager.’ “Wilder’s script begs to play its own role in our modern Vermont lives.”

The company - a cast, ensemble, and band of over 40 people, most of them from Randolph - is poised to create a rich, emotional soundscape that complements the heart of the play. Together, Kahan’s music and Wilder’s exploration of love, loss, and the afterlife offer comfort and reflection to anyone who has ever pondered life’s fragility or feared death.

Pay What You Will and Press Preview - Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 PM
Opening Night - Friday, February 28 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 PM - Post-show talkback with creative team
Friday, March 7 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 PM
Closing Show - Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 PM

“Our Town” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

NEWS

We’re gonna go—-far! @noahkahanmusic thank you for dropping by the green room after our closing performance! We’re over the moon 🌖

It’s time to thank our incredible sponsors once again as we head into our closing weekend of OUR TOWN!

We so appreciate your support! @blackmeadowvt @theundergroundvt @theundergroundshows @giffordhealthcare @randolphvibe Town of Randolph @wit.and.grit.vt @wrcraftcenter @racdc_vt @musicmountaincompost @rochestercafe @babesvt LED Dynamics @brainstormartsupply Ken’s Barber Shop @weebirdbagelcafe @tri_valley_transit Playhouse Theatre @shortnoticevt Polestar Cannabis

OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Mar 7 - Mar 9
chandler-arts.org/ourtown
Attn: @noahkahannation

#noahkahan #vermontarts #theatre #communitytheatre

We’re all smiles!😀 Thank you to our HUGE weekend houses -- only 3 more shows left, this weekend 🎭🌕

OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Mar 7-8 at 7pm, and Mar 9 at 2pm
Tickets 🎟️ at chandler-arts.org/ourtown (link in bio)
Attn: @noahkahannation

#noahkahan #vermontarts #theatre #communitytheatre

Thanks @mynbc5 and @jackthurstonvt for the love! 📺 watch at link in story! OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Feb 28 - Mar 9
chandler-arts.org/ourtown
Attn: @noahkahannation #noahkahan #vermontarts #theatre #communitytheatre

Have you read our preview in @sevendaysvt yet? Or how about @bfp_news? Those from #burlingtonvermont, You’re Gonna Go (not too) Far to see a great show!
OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Feb 28 - Mar 9
chandler-arts.org/ourtown
Attn: @noahkahannation
#noahkahan #vermontarts #theatre #communitytheatre

We’ve got a lot to say! Thank you for the wonderful preview audience we had last night… TONIGHT IS OPENING NIGHT FOLKS! 🌕🎭 Tickets going FAST! 🎟️🎟️🎟️
OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Feb 28 - Mar 9
chandler-arts.org/ourtown
Attn: @noahkahannation

Please join us in the biggest round of applause 👏👏👏 for OUR TOWN sponsors! @blackmeadowvt @theundergroundvt @giffordhealthcare @randolphvibe Town of Randolph @wit.and.grit.vt @wrcraftcenter @racdc_vt @musicmountaincompost @rochestercafe @babesvt LED Dynamics @brainstormartsupply Ken’s Barber Shop @weebirdbagelcafe @tri_valley_transit Playhouse Movie Theatre @shortnoticevt Polestar Cannabis

OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Feb 28 - Mar 9
🎟️tickets🎟️: chandler-arts.org/ourtown
Attn: @noahkahannation

#noahkahan #vermontarts #theatre #communitytheatre

Thank you @sevendaysvt for this thrilling preview of OUR TOWN featuring live covers of songs by @noahkahanmusic! We open at @chandlercenterforthearts this Friday, and close Sunday March 9 - tickets at chandler-arts.org/ourtown #noahkahan @noahkahannation

Just over 72 hours until opening night! 🌕 Some fun shots from rehearsals by Ramsey Papp. Tickets are selling fast! OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
with live covers of @noahkahanmusic
at @chandlercenterforthearts in Randolph #Vermont
Feb 28 - Mar 9
chandler-arts.org/ourtown
Attn: @noahkahannation
#noahkahan #vermontarts #theatre #communitytheatre

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@ourtownrandolph

OUR TOWN CAST

Ben Rapson as Stage Manager - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Director, Stage Manager: Ben Rapson (he/him)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Uncanny Randolph vibes.

Copy of Beatrice Scott as Emily Webb.jpg

Emily Webb: Beatrice Scott (they/them)

Jessamine Kelley as Mrs. Webb - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Mrs. Webb: Jessamine Kelley (she/her)

What's your favorite line in the play?

"Only 5 more hours to live!"

Mark Rosalbo as Mr. Webb - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Mr. Webb: Mark Rosalbo (he/him)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
The rhythm and tempo of the character’s lives are relatable.

Caleb Spring as George Gibbs - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

George Gibbs: Caleb Paige (he/him)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Being fully present.

Rita Champion as Mrs. Gibbs - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Mrs. Gibbs: Rita Champion (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

Seeing themselves as part of Our Town.

Rob Marois as Dr. Gibbs - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Dr. Gibbs: Rob Marois (he/him)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Powerful emotional impact.

Copy of Steve Augustus as Simon Stimson.jpg

Simon Stimson: Steve Augustus (he/him)

Max Dybvig as Howie Newsome - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Howie Newsome: Max Dybvig (he/him)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Dry NewEngland character.

Roger Benham as Constable Warren - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Constable Warren: Roger Benham (he/him)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

Its relevance to our fleeting time on Earth.

Lana Wood as Mrs. Soames - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Mrs. Soames: Lana Wood (she/they)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Gaudy, Haughty, and Naughty ;)

Raymond Merrill as Sam Craig - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Sam Craig: Raymond Merrill (he/him)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Togetherness, fun, collaboration.

Eric Dickerson as Joe Stoddard - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Joe Stoddard: Eric Dickerson (he/him)

Marketing Lead

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

A timeless reflection.

Hayley Sherman as Rebecca Gibbs - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Rebecca Gibbs: Hayley Sherman (they/them)

What's your favorite line in the play?

“Every day I go to school dressed like a sick turkey!”

Emelia Palmisano as Winnie Webb - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Winnie Webb: Emelia Palmisano (she/her)

What's your favorite line in the play?

"Aw, Ma! By ten o'clock I got to know all about Canada."

Joe Jr and Si Crowell: Jasper Smith (he/him)

OUR TOWN ENSEMBLE

Sonia Bond from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Sonia Bond (she/her)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

It’s a classic.

Whitney Bowers from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Whitney Bowers (she/her)

Marketing/PR

What's your favorite line in the play?

“I always expect a man to be perfect.”

James Greenleaf from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

James Greenleaf (he/him)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

How much they’ll end up caring about the people.

Leanne Hoppe (she/her)

Leila Hoppe (she/her)

What's your favorite line in the play?

“I took the opposite of my father’s advice…”

Annie Hutchinson from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Annie Hutchinson (she/her)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Sentimental, reminiscent, community

Anne Kaplan from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Anne Kaplan (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

The themes of the play ring true still in small town life in the 21st century.

Karina Lee from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Karina Lee (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

Its combination of external simplicity and internal depth.

Nancy Murray from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Nancy Murray (she/her)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Relevance, haunting, authenticity

Ramsey Papp (she/her)

Assistant Stage Manager

What's your favorite moment in the play?

I love it when the cast gathers to sing throughout the show.

Naomi Peterson (she/her)

Describe what you love about your character, your role, or the play in general.

Community

Ella Roberts from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Ella Roberts (she/her)

In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?

Simple, comforting, and realistic

Laura Rooney (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

I think anyone can find someone in OUR TOWN that they can say, "hey, that's me" about.

Cassidy Seidler from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Cassidy Seidler (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

It's a reminder of what makes us human.

Amy Urana from Ensemble - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Amy Urana (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

The genuine sincerity will be easily felt.

OUR TOWN CREATIVE LEADS

Producer: Erica Robinson (she/her)

Producer: Killian White (she/her)

Samantha Augustus from Creative Team - _jessrhoades_photography.jpg

Stage Manager: Samantha Augustus (she/her)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

The blending of old and new.

Music Director: Ryder Musselman (he/him)

What's your favorite line in the play?

"’Art Thou Weary; Art Thou Languid?’ It's a question, ladies and gentlemen, make it talk."

Scenic Designer: Shannon Sanborn (she/her)

Scenic Assistant: Andy Mueller

Scenic Assistant: Hillary Jeanne

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

Its combination of external simplicity and internal depth.

Costume Designer: Kate Branstetter (they/them)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

The whimsy and the wholesome

Makeup Designer: Erica Dana (they/them)

What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?

The reflection of small town life.

Hair Stylist: Melissa Smith (she/her)

Lighting/Sound Designers: Jon Madden

Lighting Assistant: Jaqueline Frost

OUR TOWN BAND

Ryder Musselman: Keyboard, Bass, Guitar, Banjo
Patrick O'Meara: Banjo, Guitar, Bass
Jack O'Sullivan: Guitar, Bass
Michael Groleau: Drums

OUR TOWN SPONSORS

NEWS

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OUR TOWN CAST

OUR TOWN ENSEMBLE

OUR TOWN CREATIVE LEADS

OUR TOWN BAND

Ryder Musselman: Keyboard, Bass, Guitar, Banjo Patrick O'Meara: Banjo, Guitar, Bass Jack O'Sullivan: Guitar, Bass Michael Groleau: Drums

OUR TOWN SPONSORS

Ryder Musselman: Keyboard, Bass, Guitar, Banjo
Patrick O'Meara: Banjo, Guitar, Bass
Jack O'Sullivan: Guitar, Bass
Michael Groleau: Drums