JACKSON BRINGS `OUR TOWN' CLOSE TO HOME

JACKSON -- It was an understudy's dream and nightmare all rolled into one Pulitzer Prize-winning play called "Our Town."

Elizabeth Eatherton had only one day to rehearse the role of Emily Webb, the female lead, before Thursday night's opening of the play at Jackson High School. Eatherton did so remarkably well it was a shock to learn afterward that she replaced the lead, Beth Davis, at the last minute.

The cast awarded her heroic effort with flowers during the curtain call. The reason Davis had to bow out was not explained to the opening night crowd.

Eatherton could not shine alone Thursday night. Thornton's Wilder's time capsule of turn-of-the-century New England is almost a primer for young theater students. As the character called the Stage Manager omnisciently guides the audience through the throes of life, love and death in Grovers Corners, N.H., the players walk and talk about minimalist sets that require much imagining on the part of both.

A few lines were slow in coming, but the Jackson High School cast showed a feel for the play's undertow of sadness mixed with awe at the plight of living.

That feel was especially true of Eddie Upchurch, the Stage Manager, who warmed to the part as the play progressed and took on the mantle of reassurance the role demands.

"We all know that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings," the Stage Manager says to hearten us for what lies ahead.

It's death, of course, for all of us, but a view from death that provides us with an inkling of the wonders that many of us are missing while we are alive.

"Live people don't understand do they?" Emily asks. "They're sort of shut up in little boxes."

Or as one of Wilder's talking dead in the play's final act will say, "Wasn't life awful and wonderful."

Also providing especially strong performances were Kaed Horrell as the gangly George Gibbs, who loves baseball and Emily; Tina Fronabarger and Mark Moonier as Mrs. and Mr. Webb;, and Shane McBride and Jessica Kohm as Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs, and John Haupt as Howie Newsome.

Other members of the cast are Phil Davis, Jessica Littrell, Nathan Cooley, Keenan Kinder, Jonathan O'Dell, Dana Jost, Mike Aldrich, Jeff Cooke, Randy Reed, Aaron Kaiser, Steve Ariola and Christine Wills.

Also, Rachel Johannes, Michael Smith, Debbie Koerber, Jason Wray, Michael Smith, Trent Hoehne and Jennifer Campbell.

The play was directed by Joyce Schroeder, with Erin Uhrhan serving as student director and Dana Jost as stage manager.

The final performance will be at 7:30 tonight.