Meet the cast of "Our Town"

Before going to see a play, it’s always nice to get to know the characters and know a little more about the show. Aurora High School is putting on a production of Our Town, directed by english teacher Rob Albrecht, this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and $5 for students.

Director: Rob Albrecht

Why did you choose Our Town as the play this year?

It was a large cast and I didn’t have to spend money making a set

What do you think the audience will connect to in this play?

The main idea is to realize life while we have it.

How would you compare acting in the round to behind the proscenium? (In the round is a type of acting where the audience sits on the stage and the actors are in the center)

You have to be aware of both sides when you’re in the round. You have to face one direction to get your message to the audience

Logan Jancsurak as Dr.Gibbs

What is your part in the play?

I play Dr. Gibbs, the town doctor, and father to George and Rebecca.

What is your previous drama experience?

I have a lot of theatrical experience. I am a student at The Academy for the Performing Arts in Chagrin Falls, and have been performing more than half my life.

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

Seeing plays throughout elementary school made me want to be in them.

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

I plan to go to college to pursue a BFA in acting.

What do you like about the play Our Town?

The play is done without props and a minimal set, so everything is pantomimed.

How does it feel to be a part of the cast?

Every cast I have ever been a part of has been its own little family and that is something I love about theater.

How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

I've worked with Mr Albrecht many times and every time has been a blast.

Answered as character:

What is your background?

I've lived in Grover's Corners, NH my whole life. I'm a simple man who fell in love with the woman of my dreams, and I am now getting to watch my son, George, fall in love with the woman of his dreams.

What are your wants and dreams?

I have everything I could ever want. I have a great career, family and the woman of my dreams. My only dreams now are that my family is happy. Although, I must admit sometimes I really dream of the day my son will go out into the backyard and chop firewood without being asked.

What effects do you have on others?

I am the head of my household, so I have a huge effect on my family. I think I've taught my children valuable lessons that they will take with them throughout the rest of their life. I'm a figure of guidance.

Sammi Friedler as Mrs. Gibbs

What is your part in the play?

I play Mrs.Gibbs, the mom of George and Rebecca.

What is your previous drama experience?

Sophomore year, I auditioned for the school play which is when I started taking it seriously.

Caught in the Act , Nice Work if you can get it, Anything goes.

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

I’ve always been a creative person and started off with classical ballet, but my mom signed me up for an acting class and that opened up doors for me.

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

Yes, I want to be an english teacher and want to minor in drama.

What do you like about the play Our Town?

It has a really cool message, it’s more mellow and something you can sit, watch and enjoy with a really cute love story.

How does it feel to be a part of the cast? How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

It’s really fun. Everyone in the cast is like a theater family and we’ve all been doing this together for years. Mr.Albrecht knows how to work with us well and he’s easy to work with.

Answered as character:

What is your background? What is your story?

I’ve been living Grover's corners for my whole life and I married young to Doctor Gibbs.

What are your wants and dreams?

I want my children to be successful and happy, but I am content with my life.

What effects do you have on others?

I’m a happy go lucky person so I like to think I bring positivity to everyone’s life and I also keep my husband in line.

Grace Tomasko as Mrs.Webb

What is your part in the play?

Mrs. Webb, one of the moms.

What is your previous drama experience?

Attends The academy of performing arts. She has been in: Julius Caesar, Anything Goes, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Caught in the Act.

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

Started when she first moved to aurora, at a summer workshop.

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

Yes, she’s studying it when she goes to college going to college.

What do you like about the play Our Town?

Impactful even though its ordinary. It makes you open your eyes about how you spend your time.

How does it feel to be a part of the cast?

Fun, nice to be with the same people who are interested in what you are.

How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

Easy to be directed by Mr. Albrecht.

Answered as character:

What is your background?

I married young, grew up in Grover's corners.

I take care of my kids and I just want what's best for them.

What are your wants and dreams?

I just want to be happy and make sure my kids are happy.

What effects do you have on others?

My kids look up to me, I’m able to keep everything in control.

Lily Olsen as the stage manager

What is your part in the play?

Stage manager,which means I talk directly to audience, interrupt scene and escort them, and direct the stage hands to clear the stage.

What is your previous drama experience?

Lily has been in aurora school plays since freshmen year and in middle school,she attends academy for performing arts in chagrin,and participates in the aurora community theater.

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

I have always been interested in being an actress since a little girl, now it is more artistic. I hope to continue throughout life but not necessarily in Broadway.

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

Yes, applying to musical theater programs, hoping for it to be my major

What do you like about the play Our Town?

I think the message, very much about recognizing the limited time you have on earth, still applies to the way we live today. Different than any show I have ever done with the lack of props and talking directly to the audience, it has been a fun challenge.

How does it feel to be a part of the cast? How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

I have worked with him a very long time, very comfortable with his directing style. I know what to expect but I’m still learning. The rest of the cast is extremely talented which makes it fun and makes me excited to see the show.

Answered as character:

What is your background?

“It’s weird because my character is an omniscient being. I live in the town of Grover's Corners, yet I’m aware of all that is going on,and feel somewhat responsible for the lives of others. I work to direct them, as a life guide not a director.” (Not really a known background.)

What are your wants and dreams?

My biggest want is that people recognize the importance of time, appreciating the moments they have, every moment is important whether good or bad. My focus is bringing them back to the moment.

Johnny Kushan as George Gibbs

What is your part in the play?

George Gibbs, arrogant, confident boy (16-26) , likes baseball, little sister

What is your previous drama experience?

Anything Goes, all plays and musicals at Aurora since Freshman Year, Grease

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

Best Friends with Albrechts and Mr. Albrecht convinced me to try out for one of the shows and i liked it so I continued to do it

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

No, it’s just kind of a hobby

What do you like about the play Our Town?

It has a serious message to it

How does it feel to be a part of the cast? How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

I like being under the direction of him, he’s a good director, patient and doesn’t get angry if he’s upset. I had a good time.

Answered as character:

What is your background?

Love interest is a neighbor, our parents are friends which is how we met, then we became best friends. One day after school some boys asked me to play baseball with them, which is when I developed a love for baseball

What are your wants and dreams?

I want to be a famous baseball player but eventually that dream will change to wanting to stay at home with my lover.

What effects do you have on others?

I persuade others to getting what I want, I’m manipulative. I tend to make enemies because of how cocky I am.

Joe Demagall as Mr.Webb

What is your part in the play?

Mr. Webb, the owner of the local paper. Town is Grover’s corner. Father to Emily, who is hero in of the story.

What is your previous drama experience?

None.

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

No football so I wanted to do something else, try something new.

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

No.

What do you like about the play Our Town?

The way in which it is performed, the audience is on-stage with us and there are very few props.

How does it feel to be a part of the cast? How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

It’s a family-like atmosphere. Just like a coach, very knowledgeable except doesn’t lose his cool.

Answered as character:

What is your background?

Born and raised in Grover’s Corner. Father was a very stern man. Studied journalism in New York State and settled back down with my current wife, Myrtle Webb.

What are your wants and dreams?

To keep people informed and to keep my family fed and happy.

What effects do you have on others?

Very easy-going and laid-back, like to help others.

Lauren McBride as Emily Webb

What is your part in the play?

Emily Webb: starts off as a young girl in the 1800s. She is educational and smart.

What is your previous drama experience?

Been acting since 4th grade.

What created interest in the stage/acting for you?

I started acting during summer camp.

Are you interested in pursuing acting in the future?

Yes

What do you like about the play Our Town?

It’s set in the 1800s. We wear cool and funny stuff.

How does it feel to be a part of the cast? How does it feel to be under the direction of Mr. Albrecht?

I feel closer to the cast. It’s the best part.

Answered as character:

What is your background? What is your story?

I want to go away to college. However, I have to stay home.

What are your wants and dreams?

College

What effects do you have on others?

I would like to say I have a positive attitude.