Our Town

Act One - Daily Life

The play begins with an open, empty space. The Stage Manager enters and rearranges a few pieces of furniture -- a table and three chairs -- as the lights dim. Once the theatre is completely dark, the Stage Manager sets the scene: “This play is called ‘Our Town...’ The name of the town is Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire… The day is May 7, 1901. The time is just before dawn.” He introduces the customs and landmarks of the town, concluding by informing the audience that the two chairs on either side of the stage represent the Gibbs house and the Webb house.

As dawn breaks, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb enter and begin their days -- lighting the stove and setting about to make breakfast. Dr. Gibbs returns home from delivering a local woman’s twins, and runs into the paperboy, Joe Crowell Jr., with whom he chats briefly. As these everyday happenings (which are pantomimed by the actors, who have no props) play out, the Stage Manager informs the audience of what is to become