Eastern Michigan University Theatre brings new vision to 'Our Town'

Eastern Michigan University Theatre will present a reimagined interpretation of "Our Town," offering a contemporary approach to the American theatre classic. 

Written by Thornton Wilder, "Our Town" follows two small-town families from 1901-13, capturing the beauty and fragility of everyday life. EMU's production of the play is directed by Pirooz Aghssa, professor of theatre arts, who brings a fresh perspective to the well-known play. Traditionally narrated by the stage manager, Aghssa reimagines the story in a contemporary setting. 

“I thought, ‘What if we opened it up, and put it in a theatre classroom in 2026?’ All the older characters in the play are going to be put in the time of the story and all the younger characters are in modern day,” he said. “It’s a combination of period and very contemporary, so you can open up something that the original doesn't have, and that's the diversity."

Playing the character of the stage manager, theatre student Gavin Miller appreciates Aghssa’s modern twist on the classic story: “Because 'Our Town' is such a classic story and it's so widely known, I think what's wonderful about our rendition is that our interpretation is very modern. We are throwing in a lot of modern themes and we are putting a lot of people on stage in these roles that we normally wouldn't see. My character, for example, is usually played by an older cis man, but I’m a young trans woman. We play around a lot with these identities in the story.” 

Miller’s interpretation also shifts the tone of the character. Portraying the stage manager as a teacher within the classroom setting, she brings a sense of energy and warmth to the role.

“I try to put in a lot of bounce and happiness and joy in my stage manager, because in this interpretation she is a professor," Miller said. "I try to really put in a lot of joy and energy and buoyancy into the character, because I feel like some interpretations kind of lack that.”

Aghssa noted that this production leans more into humor than the somber tone often associated with the play, offering audiences a fresh emotional experience.

Despite its small-town setting, "Our Town" is known for exploring profound and universal themes. Jude Sears, who plays Mr. Webb, described the impact the play had on him: “When I first read 'Our Town,' it brought me to tears. I immediately fell in love with the characters. I loved the naturalistic voices of the characters and how true to life it is. It is a profound emotional experience seeing "Our Town," and every avid theatre goer should experience it at least once.”

Raegan Woodiwiss, who plays Mrs. Gibbs, emphasized the show’s broad appeal.

“I think that 'Our Town' is genuinely one of those shows that is for all audiences: young or old. It's a slice of life. It's very Brechtian. That means that it makes the audience reflect on their own life, and I think the show does that because it is so real,” Woodiwiss said.

"Our Town" will be performed April 16-18, 2026, at 7 p.m., with matinee performances on April 18 and 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. Performances take place at EMU's Legacy Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the EMU box office or on the EMU Theatre website. The show is suggested for ages 12 and older.