Sometimes, the simplest stories have the most to say, and Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Our Town, exemplifies this. The Colonial Players of Annapolis is currently bringing this classic to local audiences, featuring a wonderfully talented cast. Expertly directed by Richard Wade, the Colonial Players’ presentation offers a unique opportunity to witness Wilder’s masterpiece in an intimate, in-the-round environment. On a personal note, this production offered me an unexpected chance to revisit the play after nearly 20 years, having studied and performed it as a theater student. What a full-circle moment! Experiencing Our Town again as an adult proved particularly enlightening, revealing new layers of significance in a story that I thought I knew. Spanning the years of 1901–1913, Our Town takes place in the fictional New England village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Narrated by the omnipresent Stage Manager, the play follows the lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as they face love, loss, marriage, and the winding road of life’s journey. We also meet the broader population of Grover’s Corners, comprised of people from all walks of life. Central to the story is the relationship between George Gibbs and Emily Webb, two teenagers who live next door to each other. Over the years, a romance blossoms between George and Emily, and they eventually marry despite uncertainty about their futures. Along the way, they grapple with the excitement, anxiety, and intimacy of young love as they begin building a life together. Jim Reiter as the Stage Manager in ‘Our Town.’ Publicity photo by Brandon Bentley. In an outstanding portrayal of the Stage Manager, Jim Reiter effortlessly commands the audience’s attention, establishing an instant rapport. He seamlessly adjusts his tone to match both somber and joyful moments, enhancing the play’s dramatic progression. Delivering his lines with a steady New Hampshire accent, Reiter exudes wisdom and charisma as he guides us through Grover’s Corners. Cordell D. Smith and Anna Janssen deliver splendid performances as George Gibbs and Emily Webb, respectively. Both actors brilliantly depict the couple from their teenage years through adulthood, flawlessly navigating the emotional arc of their relationship. As Mrs. Gibbs, Dana Fleischer brings endearing gentility to the role as she charmingly addresses the animals in her garden. She also conveys an unwavering commitment to her family’s health and well-being while tirelessly leading the household. Andrew Rappa portrays Dr. Gibbs as a wise, observant father who kindly guides his children while firmly instilling responsibility. Jane Carrigan’s characterization of Mrs. Webb is marked by her dry delivery, combined with a well-tuned blend of firmness and motherly warmth. Perfectly capturing both the gruff and tender facets of his character, Gary Louis Appel demonstrates versatility and relatability in his portrayal of Mr. Webb. Gary Brick is delightfully entertaining as the town milkman, Howie Newsome. His enthusiasm when interacting with his cow, Bessie, is complemented by his frequent good-natured humor. Reciting complex scientific and historical terminology with precision, Greg Anderson projects educated panache as university educator Professor Willard. Josh Mooney, as choir director Simon Stimson, colorfully conveys frustration with the choir’s lack of musicality, amusingly reprimanding the group during rehearsals.  Lighting designer Frank A. Florentine illuminates the stage to illustrate changes in weather and mood, effectively utilizing color to distinguish these aspects. Laurie Nolan’s minimalist set design cleverly uses tables, chairs, and stools to represent gardens and houses, underscoring the play’s concept of finding magic in the ordinary. Outfitting the cast in 1900s fashions, Megan Venton’s costume designs merge elegance with simplicity, reflecting the period while maintaining an understated aesthetic. Although Our Town first premiered in 1938, the play ingeniously explores several themes that remain strikingly relatable nearly 90 years after its debut. Wilder uses Grover’s Corners to represent almost any community, fostering a sense of connection and shared experiences. The story focuses on how easily we can overlook the beauty and significance of ordinary moments, as well as the rapid passage of time. These themes are particularly relevant in 2026, as technology can often distract us from life’s simple pleasures. Similarly, Wilder explores the limits of human awareness, demonstrating how we don’t always fully recognize the value of occurrences while they’re happening. We can become so absorbed in our daily routines — and, often, our smartphones — that we fail to appreciate the people and moments around us. The Colonial Players of Annapolis offers a heartwarming and poignant journey to Grover’s Corners, bringing an air of New England charm to Annapolis. The company’s unforgettable staging of Our Town is a marvelous start to its 2026/27 season. This production beautifully celebrates the extraordinary significance of everyday life, serving as a timely reminder to slow down, cherish life’s simple moments, and appreciate the people around us. Show art courtesy of The Colonial Players of Annapolis. Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Our Town plays through October 3, 2026, at The Colonial Players of Annapolis, 108 East Street, Annapolis, MD. Performances are Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets ($28) can be purchased online, in person at the Colonial Players box office, or by calling the Box Office at 410-268-7373. Advisory: Features themes of death, grief, and mortality. Includes references to childbirth-related death. Our TownWritten by Thornton WilderDirected by Richard WadeLighting Design by Frank A. FlorentineSet Design by Laurie NolanCostume Design by Megan Venton ...read more read less