- During the play, the Stage Manager (the show’s narrator) explains that he is putting a copy of ' Our Town ' in a time capsule. But of course, Thornton Wilder’s drama is its own time capsule, allowing audiences to glimpse turn-of-the-century New England.
- OUR TOWN - AUDITION MONOLOGUES STAGE MANAGER – There are a lot of things to be said about a wedding. There are a lot of thoughts that go on during a wedding. We can’t get them all into one wedding, naturally, - especially not into a wedding at Grover’s Corners, where weddings are mighty short and plain.
Scripts Inspired by OUR TOWN Our newest featured list is brought to us by playwright Brian James Polak. Brian offers this introduction: “Growing up in Southwestern New Hampshire, near where the fictional Grovers Corners is situated, it was inevitable I would write a play in response to Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN.
When you see George and Emily fall in love!
George (hurt): Emily, why are you mad at me?
Emily (defensive): I'm not mad at you.
George: YOu've been treating me so funny lately.
Emily (dreading to face the issue): Well, since you ask me, I might as well say it right out, George- (Turns to him-see's teacher, they stop and say goodbye)
Emily (finding is very hard to say): I don't like the whole change that's come over you in the last year. (George turns R. a bit, hurt She glances at him) I'm sorry if that hurts your feelings;. But I've just got to - tell the truth and shame the devil.
George: -A change? - Wha-what do you mean?
Emily (facing mostly out, on verge of tears): Well, up to a year ago, I used to like you a lot. And I used to watch you while you did Everything - because we'd been friends so long. And then you began spending all your time at baseball. (she bites the word) And you never stopped to speak to Anybody any more- not to really speak - not even to your own family, you didn't. And George, it's a fact - ever since you've been elected Captain, you've got awful stuck up and conceited, and all the girls say so. And it hurts me to hear 'em say it; but I got to agree with 'em a little, because it's true.
George (Helpless and hurt): Gosh, Emily - I never thought that such a thing was happening to me - I guess it's hard for a fella not to have SOME faults creep into his character.
Emily (The complete prig): I always expect a man to be perfect and I think he should be.
George: Oh, I - I don't think it's possible to be perfect, Emily.
Emily (All innocence, yet firm): Well, my father is. And as far as I can see, YOUR father is. There's no reason on earth why You couldn't be, too.
George: Well, I feel it's the other way round; that men aren't naturally good, but girls are.
Emily: Well, you might as well know right now that I'M not perfect. - It's not as easy for a girl to be perfect as a man, because, well, we girls are more - nervous - (Her face controls and she turns L) Now I'm sorry I said all that about you. I don't know what made me say it. (Cries.)
George (chocked voice): Emily-
Emily: Now I can see it's not the truth at all. And I suddenly feel that it's not important, anyway. (Cries harder, hands to eyes)
George: Emily - would you like an ice-cream soda, or something, before you go home?
Emily (Controlling self): Well, thank you - I - I would. (George starts to take her arm, but is too shy....)
Emily's Last famous speech! Very good intriguing, insightful piece!!!!
Emily: I can't! I can't go on! (Sobs at moment) It goes so fast. We don't have time to Look at one another. (She breaks down sobbing again, controls herself and looks off down L) I didn't realzie. So all that was going on and we never noticed! Take me back - up the hill - to my grave. But first: Wait! One more look! Goodbye! Goodbye, world! Goodbye Grover's COrners - Mama and Papa - Good bye to clocks ticking - nd my butternut tree! And Mama's sunflowers- and food and coffee - and new-ironed dresses and hot baths- and sleeping and waking up! - Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anyone to realize you! (Thinking a moment, half truning to Stage Manager, questioning more gently:) Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it - every, every minute?
Take a moment to think about that last speech!! It's really amazing and something everyone should read and consider! Seriously. (I know I probably didn't write it well considering the power held behind it.. especially when acted out. But nonetheless.. Listen to the words!
These were written to be performed on radio, but most can be staged live for an audience as well….
A survey of dramatic styles as seen through the lens of a hand lotion commercial, then a 7-minute race through “Our Town”, courtesy of Spike Jones. First broadcast on WCLV in 2000, most recently broadcast in 2005.
Our Town Play Script Act 3
A look at musical styles in a bizarre retelling of Arthur Miller’s classic. “Attention! Attention must be paid to a jazzman who buys a set of bagpipes, Biff!” First broadcast on WCLV in 2001.
A look at Greek Gods as the “Family” they really are. And a couple of humans plopped on earth with no means to cook a monkey. First broadcast on WCLV in 2002.
A cruise through the criminal art world with Sergeant Joe Frida. In the future, every radio play will be famous for 15 minutes. First broadcast on WCLV in 2003.
A look at Tony Pepperoni, his family, his therapist, and the violent dough business that just keeps pulling him back in… First broadcast on WCLV in 2004.
Before there was “Glee” there was this game show where two fanatical fans face off on such questions as “Who was the costume designer on the 1914 production of “Banjo Eyes”? And Sudden Death over a Lloyd Webber song… Most recently broadcast on “Footlight Parade” on WCLV in 2008.
A lost manuscript found! Featuring Billy Bigelow, Anna, the King, Enoch, Ado Annie and many more trying desperately to get to the Dream Ballet. First broadcast on “Footlight Parade” on WCLV in 2004.
A group of castaways including Nathan Detroit, Maria, Tevye, and Sweeney Todd find themselves on a mysterious island… who will eat who first…? First broadcast on “Footlight Parade” on WCLV in 2008.
Finally proof that “Music Man” is a re-examination of Immanuel Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” and other astonishments. First broadcast on “Footlight Parade” on WCLV in 2004.
Our Town Play Script Download
We finally find out just who “Old Man De Mississippi” is and what his relationship is to Big Tobacco. Most recently broadcast on “Footlight Parade” on WCLV in 2008.
Our Town Play Script Summary
The family classic is really an examination of America’s schizophrenic response to the coming oil shortage. Really. First broadcast on “Footlight Parade” on WCLV in 2005.