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.
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Pay What You Will and Press Preview - Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 PM
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Opening Night - Friday, February 28 at 7:00 PM
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Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 PM
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Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 PM - Post-show talkback with creative team
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Friday, March 7 at 7:00 PM
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Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 PM
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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
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Press Release: Chandler Offers Randolph A Theatrical Experience That is Profoundly Vermont
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Artful blog: Wilder’s play is coming to the Chandler, with a more contemporary vibe
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The Herald: ‘Our Town’ & Exhibit on Rural America Coming to Chandler
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Seven Days: Noah Kahan Songs Featured in Randolph Rendition of 'Our Town'
OUR TOWN CAST
Director, Stage Manager: Ben Rapson (he/him)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Uncanny Randolph vibes.
Emily Webb: Beatrice Scott (they/them)
Mrs. Webb: Jessamine Kelley (she/her)
What's your favorite line in the play?
"Only 5 more hours to live!"
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.
George Gibbs: Caleb Paige (he/him)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Being fully present.
Mrs. Gibbs: Rita Champion (she/her)
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
Seeing themselves as part of Our Town.
Dr. Gibbs: Rob Marois (he/him)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Powerful emotional impact.
Simon Stimson: Steve Augustus (he/him)
Howie Newsome: Max Dybvig (he/him)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Dry NewEngland character.
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.
Mrs. Soames: Lana Wood (she/they)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Gaudy, Haughty, and Naughty ;)
Sam Craig: Raymond Merrill (he/him)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Togetherness, fun, collaboration.
Joe Stoddard: Eric Dickerson (he/him)
Marketing Lead
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
A timeless reflection.
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!”
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 (she/her)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
It’s a classic.
Whitney Bowers (she/her)
Marketing/PR
What's your favorite line in the play?
“I always expect a man to be perfect.”
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 (she/her)
In 3 words, what do you love about OUR TOWN?
Sentimental, reminiscent, community
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 (she/her)
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
Its combination of external simplicity and internal depth.
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 (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 (she/her)
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
It's a reminder of what makes us human.
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)
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
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