Our Town Players: Caught in the act

By Suzanne Costallos
Special to the Pioneer Times
    Critics often called the optimistic films of Frank Capra, “Capra-corn.” He responded by saying that he felt that making positive statements through his movies was important. Many of his most popular films were released during the height of The Depression, a time when optimism was desperately needed.
Contributed photo/Bruce Glick
FROM THE TOP — Community Theatre director Suzanne Costallos helps actor Eldon Bennett with a his lines.
    Although euphemisms are used to describe the current state of our economy, plainly, these are hard times for many people. People are faced with choosing between; putting food on the table, gas in their cars, paying the rent or mortgage and heating their homes during the long winter ahead. Optimism and a sense of hope are as much needed now as it was during The Great Depression. That’s why I’ve chosen to mount an adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for this year’s Our Town Players production.
    This version has been adapted for the stage by Joe Landry as a 1940s radio play, performed before a studio audience. Eleven actors — ages 14 to 72 — play many roles and the sound effects are executed live on stage.
    George Bailey, the central character, is a desperate man, certain that his life has been worth nothing. On the verge of suicide, he is given a gift: the opportunity to see how his world would have been had he not been born. Although George never realizes his grand dreams of traveling to exotic places and building skyscrapers, he eventually sees that his humble and “ordinary” life has been anything but. In his small town he has affected the lives of many people who might have been in despair themselves if not for him.
    In a culture that exalts the glamorous lives of the rich and famous, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a tribute to the common man, and affirms the belief that everybody has something to contribute, great or small, in making the world a better place. George hasn’t made millions but as his brother says, “He’s the richest man in town” — rich in love, family, friends and service to others. This classic continues to speak to the hearts of generations because we all need to feel that our lives have meaning and that we have made a difference in somebody’s life.
Contributed photo/Bruce Glick
LOCAL ACTORS — Rehearsing a scene from “It’s a Wonder Life” are members of the Our Town Players, from left, Michelle Green, Chris Putnam and Pam Chernesky.
    This production won’t give the audiences the wherewithal to put food on their tables but their spirits and souls will be fed. Soul food is often the stuff that keeps us going when the going gets tough; something that I believe we all need, especially during these hard times.
    Rehearsals began several weeks ago and will continue weekly for the next four months until the show opens. The cast includes members from last year’s production of Our Town and new ones. They are: Dave Bates, Eldon Bennett, Pam Chernesky, Chelsea Green, Michelle Green, Joshua Green, Abigail Hunt, Jeff Lovejoy, Sarah Lovejoy, Rosalind Morgan, Chris Putnam and Arno Wirta. The performance venue is the Houlton High School.
    We will have four performances: December 20 and 21 with 2:30 p.m. matinees and 7 p.m. shows. Tickets will go on sale after Thanksgiving but reservations can now be made by calling 694-0477. Admission is $8 in advance; at the door $10.
Contributed photo/Bruce Glick
PRACTICE — There may be several months before the curtains part for Houlton’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” but members of the Our Town Players theatre troupe have been rehearsing for several weeks already. The group includes, from left, Dave Bates and Sarah and Jeff Lovejoy.
    All involved are volunteering their time and talents. All proceeds go toward production costs and future productions. This is a production by and for the community. Anyone interested in helping out can contact me at  694-1346. We’re especially looking for seamstresses and garments for men and women from the 1940s — hats, dresses, suits, skirts, blouses, and anyone who’d like to crew the show.