For Madeline Wristen, landing a leading role in Good Company’s ‘Our Town’ introduces her to a classic
By Donald Munro
There’s an entire generation growing up, it seems, with no exposure to Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” which Edward Albee once described as “the greatest American play ever written.” The risk of this 1938 play slipping away from our culture is one reason why the new Good Company Players production of the show (now in its opening weekend) at the 2nd Space Theatre is so appealing.
Pictured above: Madeline Wristen plays Emily in “Our Town” at 2nd Space Theatre. Photo: Good Company Players
Staged in a minimalist style, as dictated by the playwright, this thoughtful play is an actor’s delight. It captures not only universal themes of love, family and loss, but also a distinctively American perspective on not only the possibilities of life but also the disappointments. The company last performed “Our Town” 15 years ago, with Dan Pessano, managing director of GCP, in the pivotal role of the Stage Manager, the show’s narrator. Pessano reprises that role along with a number of actors who have never been in the show.
One of those is Madeline Wristen, a young GCP veteran performer. She plays the role of Emily, a small-town girl whom we watch grow up. I caught up with Wristen via phone and email to discuss the production.
Q: For older generations, “Our Town” seems almost ubiquitous: We studied it in English class; we watched countless high school and community theater productions. You had a different experience in terms of your familiarity with the material. Tell us about it.
A: Unlike many of the people I spoke to about “Our Town,” I did not have the pleasure of learning this story in school. After reading the play on my own I couldn’t put it down and knew I wanted to be a part of it. I felt so connected to the material and found a new way to think about life. It has been such a great experience and I’m so excited to share this show with the community.
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Q: For friends and family your age who have never heard of “Our Town,” how do you describe it?
A: The best explanation I can convey without spoilers is: “ It’s a beautiful blend of the simplicity of life and all the realities that we share as humans.” As stated in the show, “Our Town” is a play in three acts. First act is “Daily Life,” second act is “Love and Marriage,” and the third act is about something we all experience at the end of our lives. You’ll have to come see the show to know the rest of the details!
Q: You’re more drawn to comic characters. What has it been like stepping into the shoes of Emily, the character you play?
A: It has been an eye-opening experience to lean into more of the serious side of my acting. Since I feel so comfortable with comedy it took some time to settle into the way of expressing more raw emotion and letting the sadness and anger come through. I am extremely grateful to have more opportunities where I can challenge myself as an actor.
Q: Thornton Wilder, the playwright, was very particular in how he wrote the stage directions, calling for a minimalist staging. Most of the props are pantomimed. What is that like for you?
A: I have never experienced a show where I had to pantomime my props, I never knew how pretending to use things that aren’t there could be misperceived as easy. Now, I have since discovered that pantomiming takes theater to a different level. When Thornton Wilder expressed through his writing that the show is to be minimal in props and set, the intention behind it was to give the power over to the actors. If you are fully committed to the pantomime then you don’t need the props. The audience will be right there with you!
Q: One of the exciting things for you in the show is getting a chance to perform with Dan Pessano, who plays the Stage Manager. You’ve appeared with him onstage before in such shows as “Fiddler on the Roof.” People are always fascinated to hear what it’s like working with Dan. Do you ever feel intimidated because of his theater and life experience?
A: I have had the honor for many years to call Dan Pessano a mentor of mine and I am so extremely grateful for him! He has been my director since I was 11 years old, however more recently I have had the pleasure of working with him onstage actor to actor. I find his process of developing his characters and his presence in rehearsal and the show to be very inspiring . I am constantly reminded to continue to work hard and be present and respectful with the others around me.
Q: Give us one fun fact about Dan that most people likely wouldn’t know.
A: fun fact about Dan is he will be off book at the start of our rehearsals which creates an energy for the rest of the show and teaches us that the work starts as soon as we get the call to be in the show. The sooner we are memorized the earlier on we can play and discover who these characters are.
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Q: Tell us about George, your love interest in the play. Do you think he and Emily are destined for each other?
A: George Gibbs, played by Ben Geddert, is the boy next door that Emily grew up with. What started as just a simple crush turns into a deep meaningful love that they didn’t expect. I believe that Emily and George will find and embrace the Beauty of love together! I have had such an exciting time diving into this love story of Emily and George.
Q: I’ve always been impressed with how universal “Our Town” feels. At first glance it seems to be a period piece firmly ensconced in Midwestern Americana. Yet the themes seem to resonate far beyond that. How do you think it holds up today?
A: What drew me so much to this show in the beginning was the relatable and witty writing that paints a familiar picture for many of us. Other than some of the terms that aren’t used quite as often nowadays the connections still stand true! The way the characters talk to each other is very similar to the way families interact with each other now. It is a show that extends throughout all generations.
Q: You’ve studied in New York and Los Angeles to beef up your acting/singing chops. Do you want to pursue theater as a career?
A: I have had many opportunities to study and work with many talented actors and teachers from NYU to Cal Arts in Valencia and many others. I have learned so much, and it only solidified the passion in me for performing. I believe a lot in manifestation, so, yes, I would love to be able to perform professionally whether it is on stage or film and TV!
Q: Give your best pitch: Why should people see this “Our Town”?
If this beautiful cast wasn’t enough … “Our Town” shares the story of growing up, loving and living. It’s also a reminder, we should hug our loved ones a little longer when we get the chance.
Steph
You hit the nail Donald.
When I (old man) saw “Our Town” as part of the new season I thought “whaaat? Why? Aren’t enough nearby high schools dragging this one out?”
I quickly found out A) Nope! and B) I’m really really old.
I just assumed 🙄 high schools were still performing Our Town yearly like when I was in school in Nineteen Blahbiddyah.
Jim Tuck (older than me, for the record) explained this want true and if anyone wants (needs) to see it, Second Space was it.
I hope every school’s drama department mashed their students attend, even if they don’t yet know how important it is to see it, and equally how important seeing a local legend playing the Stage Manager.
Meh. Kids these days. They don’t know the good stuff! And they won’t get off my damn lawn!
Jackie Ryle
Thank you, Donald. Enjoyed this so much. I saw it last night and enjoyed it thoroughly. Have seen Our Town many times in many houses over the years. This was best. Excellent cast and they all do a great job