The Free State High School cast delivered a moving performance last weekend of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.”

The play, directed by Nancee Beilgard, covered everyday life in Grover’s Corners, N.H., in 1901. The narrator began the play with a description of Grover’s Corners, its location and the townspeople. During the play, the narrator aids the audience by explaining some of the significant events and ideas conveyed in the show.

The use of small amounts of scenery, no curtain and few props gave the show an original feeling. The play involved a lot of movement, and the cast acted out the events very well given their resources.

In the play, senior Caroline Nobo acts as innocent Emily Webb, daughter of the local newspaper publisher. Nobo was convincing and genuine as she brought real emotions to her character, especially during the third act. Melissa Swarm, a junior at Free State, who played Mrs. Gibbs, agreed. “If I had to say (who did the best), I’d say it was Caroline,” she said. “She actually cried.”

Nobo believed that Friday was one of their best performances. “Everyone worked hard. It was a nice payoff for a lot of hard work,” she said.

During the play, Emily marries George Gibbs, son of the town doctor. Gibbs is played by Ben Barthell, who did an excellent job bringing his character to life. Barthell and Nobo together made a wonderful onstage couple. The cast obviously put in many hours rehearsing the play, and its work resulted in a wonderful show.

Other members of the cast were Joannie Wooldridge, Nic Pearce, Nate Wilson, Chris Luckey, Jessica Foulke, Jessica Schneider, Jonathan Bruening, Ethan Espy, William Mockry, Rachel James, Betsy Drake-Studstill, Ryan Friesen, Faryle Scott, Daniel Studley, Kelly Liebst, Niki Hossack, Erin McDowell and Ricky Lockner.

David Bailey, Julie DePauw, Merlin Howick, Amanda Richardson, Emily Thomas, Phoebe Brow, Robert Figueira and Lena Marvin completed the crew.

– Brandi Krones is a sophomore at Free State High School.