An “Immortal Play About Mortal People" – 'Our Town' to Be Performed at Family Theatre

Written by Katelyn McCormick

“Our Town,” an iconic, heart-wrenching Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Thornton Wilder, is coming to our town, Columbus, Georgia. This classic show will open on February 13th and come to life on Family Theatre’s stage, located at 2100 Hamilton Road, nestled beneath Rosehill Baptist Church. 

Leading actress Mikayla Miller-Hutchinson, who portrays Emily Webb, shared her thoughts on the intimate atmosphere of Family Theatre.

“I think what has always been so special about Family Theater is the connection between the audience and the actors that are on the stage; it's more of an intimate space. “Our Town” is an intimate story, so there's a lot of opportunity for the actors and the audience to really connect throughout.” 

Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Cove, New Hampshire, “Our Town”  follows the seemingly ordinary lives of Emily Webb and George Gibbs, played by Talen Huthinson, from birth to death, and treads on the heels of their love stretched in between. 

“I think 'Our Town' is a play that is written for every person from every walk of life,” said Miller-Hutchinson. “What's so beautiful about the play is that it's broken up into three acts. The first one is called Daily Life. The third one is called Love and Marriage, and the third one is about Death. It's about the vicious life cycle that humans go through. How I describe it is: it's a mundane play, but when you really look at it, it’s an immortal play about mortal people.”

Instant gratification has become the norm in our culture. As a society, we tend to lose patience quickly because life moves at an increasingly fast pace; it often feels like it’s passing us by every day. Life is much faster than any of us. “Our Town” serves as a gentle reminder for humanity to slow down and indulge in everything life has to offer, whether it’s big or small, exciting or mundane. Emily Fischer, who portrays Emily Webb’s mother, Mrs. Webb, expresses this sentiment poignantly.

Mikayla Miller-Hutchinson

“When a tapestry is made, and you're looking at it from the underside, it doesn't look beautiful. It's all tangled, and you see all these knots and threads going all these different directions, and it doesn't make sense. But then, when you flip it over, and you see the beautiful picture that it makes, it's kind of like Emily's life. It’s like the underside, and you're seeing all this nonsense that doesn't make any sense. But then, when she looks back on her life, she sees the beauty of it.” 

Under the direction of Cheryl Palmour, the Artistic Director of Family Theatre and director of "Our Town," the cast and crew work passionately to deliver a performance that resonates deeply with every audience member, striving to ensure that the show's message touches the hearts of all who see it. 

“Come and see 'Our Town,’” said Miller-Hutchinson. “ I think if you want a play that really challenges the way that you view your life and allows you to really reflect, then this is definitely the play for you.” ◼️

If You Go:

“Our Town” opens Friday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Other show dates include Feb. 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Feb. 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. Secure your tickets today at familytheatre.org.