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Mrs. Gibbs (Sharon Rollamn} encourages George (A Beerman}
Above: Emily (Elizabeth Terp) learns domestic Skills
3elow: Mr Geraghty & Fr. Leonard Historian Mark Merrick '76
Not to be outdone by the bicentennial minute,
Fordham Prep's Dramatic Society offered a salute
to the nation's celebration with a lively production
of Thornton Wilder's classic drama. OUR TOWN.
Set in Grover's Corners, a small New England village
of early twentieth-century vintage, OUR
TOWN deals with the complaint that people hurry
through life too quickly without taking time to appreciate
the beauty and simplicity it has to offer
each individual. People attain such a realization
only after death, when, unfortunately, it is far too
late.
Unique to the play's structure is the character of
the Stage Manager who steps in as the play's narrator.
Throughout the course of the play, the narrator
appears to act as a commentator, something in
the style of the chorus in a Greek tragedy. He often
delivers his lines directly to the audience, sometimes
engaging them in dialogue. This strenuous
role, requiring enormous feats of memory, skills in
fluency, and clear comprehension of the play's
message, was smoothly commandeered by William
Kilgannon '76 in his first and highly acclaimed
performance at the Prep.
Rarely does an all-male school produce a play
with such demanding female roles. The challenge
was more than met by the actresses in the female
roles. The female lead, Emily, the young girl who
sorrowfully realizes life's bitter irony, was sensitively
portrayed by Elizabeth Terp of Mount Saint
Ursula. Elizabeth was admirably supported by Marie
McCourt (MSU) in the role of Emily's mother,
Mrs. Webb.
Arnold Beerman '76 revealed more of his talent
in an outstanding portrayal of George, Emily's
beau. Sharon Rollman (SMU) also took honors as
George's mother, the patient caring Mrs. Gibbs,
who carries on through life and death with stoic
resignation.
The clever wit of Editor Webb, played by Lee
Curreri '77, added vital elements of levity to the
play. Mark Cerbone '76 commanded a convincing
role as Dr. Gibbs, the devoted professional man
and father. Philip Farenga '77 stole many a scene
with his more than credible characterization of the
drunken choir master and village scandal, Simon
Stimpson. Mark Merrick '76 presented a fine performance
as the town's historian.
Mr. Joseph Geraghty, of the Prep's English Department,
exhibited his wise, professional touch in
the selection, casting, directing, and guiding of
this successful production. Undoubtedly, this is
only a hint of the genius and vitality he will bring
to the Dramatics Society. Working in close harmony
with Mr. Geraghty was Fr. John Leonard whose
brilliant imagination and creativity, coupled with a
steady business sense, inspired success as well as
dedication in the students. Production Manager
Chris Ford '76 continually boosted the casts
morale and spirit by his encouragement and devotion.
The Society's dramatization of OUR TOWN
marks an unforgettable moment in the history of
Fordham Prep's theater.
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