Ford's Theatre Presents OUR TOWN, February 2013

The Ford's Theatre 2012-13 season continues with a production of Thornton Wilder's treasured American drama "Our Town", directed by Stephen Rayne, January 25 through February 24, 2013. Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama presents a timeless commentary on the transience of human existence. Teenagers George and Emily meet, fall in love, marry-and suffer the slings and arrows of everyday life. Wilder transforms their ordinary story into a poignant and captivating exploration of mortality and the interconnectivity of human beings. In celebration of the play's 75th-Anniversary year, Stephen Rayne ("The Heavens Are Hung In Black," "Sabrina Fair" and "Parade") directs a diverse cast, creating an "Our Town" for our time.

"'Our Town' is a play which transcends differences in culture, class and race, and speaks to the great themes common to all great art: love, death and marriage," said director Stephen Rayne. "From its first production in 1938, the play struck a powerful chord with the American psyche, and it is as fresh and relevant today as it was then. I am hoping to bring a fresh perspective to this great classic and present a production that Ford's and MR. Wilder will be proud of."

Ford's also offers a series of programs in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of "Our Town" including readings of Wilder's plays with local universities, a pre-performance seminar with author Penelope Niven and Thornton Wilder's nephew and literary executor Tappan Wilder, and a special celebration of the play's Broadway opening to include the presentation of The Thornton Wilder Society's "Thornton Wilder Prize."

"Our Town" is made possible with support from Lead Sponsor Exxon Mobil Corporation and production sponsor Qualcomm. WAMU-FM is the Official Media Partner for "Our Town".

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