Written by Thornton Wilder and first performed 75 years ago, Bas Bleu’s production of “Our Town” is frequently described as being about life. You’d think that’s a broad topic to cover in one play, but director Nick Turner feels pretty confident.
“It’s an extremely well-prepared, beautiful production,” Turner said.
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The play has been in the process of coming together for around a month and a half. “Because of their situation, (Bas Bleu have) a six-week rehearsal period,” Turner said. “It’s only nights because they draw their talent from the community, which I think makes this really cool because this play’s actually about community and people.”
One of the community members involved in the play is David Siever, an actor playing the part of the stage manager. Normally, that title is reserved for a role behind the scenes, but as Siever explained, “The stage manager talks directly to the audience and tells them what the staging is like.”
“I wanted to play the stage manager for a long time,” Siever said. “I’m the right age, and it’s the right time.”
That “right age,” 74 years old, makes Siever just barely younger than the play itself, and, in a way, it shows. His voice is reminiscent of a depression-era radio broadcaster, and he uses words like “ring” for “phone call” and “plum” for “enviable” — though maybe he’s picked that up from the dialogue.
“There’s so many good lines in this play; it’s hard to pick anything out,” Siever said.
Turner has enjoyed the process and found the cast and crew abnormally prepared for any event. “I’m unused to having a well-rounded, experienced team of people,” he said.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, so my favorite part is working with actors. I consider myself a story-driven actor-director,” Turner said.
“I’m drawn to the story and the actors’ involvement. I’ve had wonderful people to work with; they’ve been very welcoming and collaborative — although, they could be acting,” Turner said with a laugh.
Regarding the play, Siever said, “It’s all about taking advantage of life, you know, stop and smell the roses!”
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According to Turner, free food will be available opening night, and Friday night is Pay-What-You-Can Night. He recommends calling ahead to ensure seating, as it’s first come, first served.
For more information, go to basbleu.org.
Entertainment editor Em Kribs can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com.
