Lookingglass Give Us An Older But Wiser 'Our Town'

Ah, the simple life and the dichotomy that comes with that statement. A glance at the ceiling of the Lookingglass Theatre designed by the incredible John Musial will show just how chaotic the simple life can be. Co-directed by Anna D. Shapiro and Jessica Thebus, an older and wiser cast creates some memorable moments in the latest revival of Thorton Wilder's most studied of plays.

On the heels of the critically acclaimed and more original production by the Hypocrites (whose production opens off-Broadway this week) as well as the innovative 2003 opera by composer Ned Rorem and librettist J. D. McClatchy, Lookingglass' Our Town gets back to basics with this Pulitzer winning work. Simply designed and simply delivered, the production let's Wilder make his point -- a kid-gloved but unmistakable finger-wag at generations of audiences who inevitably squander their lives.

Three acts, two intermissions and approximately two hours and 20 minutes move easily through the story of neighboring families. Dr. and Mrs. Gibb (David Catlin and Heidi Stillman) will raise their two children alongside the two of Mr. Webb, editor of the town's paper, and his wife. In Act II they will become in-laws as George and Emily (David Schwimmer and Laura Eason) court and marry. Act III will bring the premature death of Emily in childbirth. That event is the clasp that rounds out Wilders circle of life structure and sends Emily to join the spirit world hovering amidst the mountaintop cemetery overlooking the town. There, with the passed-on, including her mother-in-law, Emily will opt for a single-day return visit as way to say farewell. She will cut it short, however, when she sees how little the living understand of their gift.

Though most of the tourists are sure to get their tickets to see ensemble member David Schwimmer, who gives an erstwhile performance as lovelorn George Gibbs, it is two other cast members who soar. As the stage manager, Joey Slotnick instantly connects with the audience in a way that no other person playing this role has done in a very long time. From the moment Slotnick steps on to the stage, he guides the storyline with a foreboding affability, weaving in and out of Grover's Corners through the forth wall with amazing ease. Christine Mary Dunford gives her Mary Webb a fascinating nuanced yet powerfully controlled performance. From gossiping over stringing beans with Mrs. Gibbs, to seeing her daughter fall in love with the boy next door, Dunford gives an emotional arch to a character that is usually played in a very stalwart manner.

It is in the third act, however, that Shapiro and Thebus strike gold with the Lookingglass actors and where the casting choice of using older actors to play George and Emily pay off in dividends. Where an age appropriate Emily would have to rely on acting chops only, Eason gives a philosophically complete take on her characters life. From her spirit form entering the grave to her reappearance at her 12th birthday, there is a gravitas that can only come with the experience of life. Moreover, the final moments with Schwimmer collapsing on his wife's tombstone left nary a dry eye in the house, including mine.

Our Town plays through April 5, 2009 at the Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago. For tickets and show times, please visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org or phone the box office at 312.337.0665.

Photo: David Schwimmer and Laura Eason