North drama production sends life lesson to audience
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

The Williamsville North Drama Club will present Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" this weekend, starring Brian Poole, left, Jeff Beacham, Alexis Messina and Jake Erenstoft. Photo by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The Williamsville North Drama Club will present Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" as its fall production, to be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17 in the school's auditorium, 1595 Hopkins Road, Williamsville.

The drama is a turn-around from last year's production, Neil Simon's "Rumors."

"Last year's play was very funny with a lot of slapstick humor," said director Dawn Smith-DeLuca. "This year, we were looking for something a bit more serious, with truly realistic characters and a larger cast."

Smith-DeLuca, an English and theatre teacher at North, is co-directing the play with social-studies teacher Rebecca Dolan.

Smith-DeLuca noted that the play has been a stretch for the young actors due to its serious nature.

"It's a true test," she said. "There are no props or a fancy set, so they have to rely on just their acting talent."

She noted that while several of the students had to rein in an overacting tendency that was useful in last year's comedic production, the student-actors have done a good job concentrating on the play's realism.

"We like to stretch the kids as much as we can," she said.

Another reason Smith-DeLuca chose "Our Town" was the message it sends to the audience.

"We were looking at several different plays, but the kids voted on this one because they liked the message," said Smith-DeLuca.

"I guess the message is live life to the fullest and don't take anything for granted," said sophomore Brian Poole.

Poole, who plays Mr. Gibbs, was in last year's production and noted that the comedy was easier because of the larger-than-life characters, but that the experience of being in a serious play has helped him grow as an actor.

Because the play is so well-known, the audience expectations of the production are driving the students to do their best.

"We're expected to live up to it," said junior Jake Erenstoft, who plays Mr. Webb. "But the cast is great."

Erenstoft noted that the lack of props is a challenge for the actors but not one that they aren't up to.

"It's all mime," Erenstoft said. "It's hard remembering where everything is."

But, overall, the message is the reason to see the play, according to Erenstoft.

"It serves a good life lesson," he said. "It teaches you to appreciate the little things in life and to get away from the rat race and always having to be number one."

Tickets for the show, to be presented at 7 p.m. both nights, are $6 at the door.

The North Swim Team will also host a spaghetti dinner in the lower cafe at the school before each performance.

For more information, call 626-8500.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com