OUR TOWN
By Thornton Wilder
October 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 2025
7PM – Fridays & Saturdays
2PM – Saturdays & Sunday Wallace Theatre
California Baptist University
Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
Theatre Arts Division presents
Our Town
A play by Thornton Wilder
Director ETHAN PARK
Technical Director MICHAEL RING
Scene Shop Supervisor ANNIE ANDERSON
Scenic/Properties Designer KAILEY LOZIER
Lighting Designer KYLE ALEXANDER SKOUSEN
Sound Designer ALEX KUEBLER
Costume Designer MACHIR LAKOFKA
Assistant Costume Designer ALIYA BEAUPAIN
Hair & Makeup Designer VIENNA AGUAS
Box Office Manager STEPHANIE HULL
Producer ZACHARY BORTOT
This production of Our Town is dedicated to Machir Lakofka, a beloved friend, creative, and lover of Jesus. October 25, 1988 – September 18, 2025
As a courtesy to other patrons and our performers, please turn off all cellular phones and alarms. Refrain from bringing food or drinks inside the theatre. Photography and recording devices are strictly prohibited.
“Our Town” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
ETHOS ON THEMATIC CONTENT
The depiction of sinful acts in storytelling is not an endorsement of sin. The Bible contains acts of violence, murder, indiscretions, and a host of other examples of the sinful nature of humanity in a fallen world. But the Bible does not explore those topics and leave one bereft of hope. Much like one cannot paint a picture without the use of shadow, one cannot tell a truthful story about human experience without depicting certain realities of human existence. We need a savior precisely because we are sinful creatures. To sanitize that truth would be a disservice to the beauty of the sacrificial love that Christ exhibited on the cross when He died for our sins. For this reason, we do not shy away from thematically challenging content, but through intentional prayerful discernment and reading of the word of God we do establish guidelines for the telling of stories of redemption. In that spirit, we offer content guides so families and individuals can make informed decisions about their viewing experience and biblical context so viewers can be drawn to understand the content considering God’s eternal character, humanity’s mortal condition, and how they interact in God’s cosmic story.
CONTENT GUIDE
This production is rated T for Teen Content contains mature themes more appropriate for teenagers and above.
RUN TIME
The production is approximately 2 ½ hours. Our Town is a 3-act play. There will be one 15-minute intermission after Act 2.
GREAT COMMISSION CONTEXT
Welcome, and thank you for joining us for our production of Thornton Wilder’s classic slice of Americana, Our Town. First performed in 1938 and recently revived on Broadway, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning play remains one of the most profoundly affecting and deceptively simple works in the American theatrical canon. Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, Our Town quietly invites us to reflect on the seemingly ordinary rhythms of daily life – birth, love, marriage, and death –asking us to look again, more deeply, at what we often overlook.
At first glance, Our Town may not seem overtly theological. There are no preachers delivering sermons, no evangelists on street corners, and no altar calls for the audience. Yet, at its core, the play challenges us with questions central to our Christian mission: Are we awake to the gift of life? Do we see each other – truly see each other – with the compassion and presence Christ modeled for us? Do we live in such a way that bears witness to eternal truths amid what we mistakenly consider mundane?
In Matthew 28, Jesus gives His followers the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” While this charge certainly compels us to preach and proclaim, it also invites us into a life of witness – one that reflects the love of Christ in every interaction, every act of kindness, every moment of genuine attention to another human being.
Thornton Wilder’s play quietly teaches us how to live this out. Emily Webb’s journey – from innocence to love, and into the mystery of death – ultimately reveals a deep longing for presence, for meaning, and for eternity. Her final monologue is not only a lament for the unnoticed beauty of life but also a prophetic cry for us to wake up – to see, to love, and to cherish the fleeting gift of time we have been given.
In Theatre Arts, we integrate faith and learning to prepare students to serve the Great Commission in the performing arts. Theatre is not merely entertainment; it is a space where we bear witness to truth, where stories open hearts and form souls. In staging Our Town, we seek to participate in God’s redemptive work by calling attention to the sacredness of ordinary life and reminding ourselves – and our audience – that every moment matters.
Thank you for joining us. May today’s performance stir in you a deeper awareness of life’s preciousness – and a renewed commitment to live and love in the light of eternity.
Zachary Bortot, MFA, Associate Professor, Theatre Arts Division Director
The story of Our Town is told in three acts; the daily life, love and marriage, and what comes after. Our narrator, only ever referred to as the “Stage Manager,” invites the audience into Grovers Corners, New Hampshire as observers. It is my hope that the audience doesn’t simp ly observe, but experiences alongside, imagines with, and connects deeply to the people of Grovers Corners.
The production challenges your imaginations with pantomimed (invisible) props and sets as Thornton Wilder intended, forcing the audience to lean forward and engage with the story instead of passively watching. The heart of this story of Grovers Corners is the people, the relationships, and the lives they live.
“You’ve got to love life to have life, and you’ve got to have life to love life.” – Stage Manager
Fall in love with these folks of Grovers Corners, and perhaps you’ll find some of that life worth having.
Ethan Park Director
CAST
Stage Manager ALEXANDRA KUEBLER
Emily Webb ADDISON BREMMER
George Gibbs NICHOLAS CASTAÑO
Mrs. Webb ALYSSA QUIMBY
Mr. Webb KALEB BRAVO
Dr. Gibbs MATTHEW FURNESS
Mrs. Gibbs ALIYA BEAUPAIN
Sam Craig/Rebecca Gibbs SIDRA ROCHE
Mrs. Soames BROOKE MAURER
Simon Stimson CUTTER ROLFS
Joe Stoddard/Professor Willard MICAH CARLSON
Constable Warren TAYLOR RICKERT
Wally Webb/Joe Crowell/ LILY HARPER
Si Crowell
Howie Newsome TRISTAN JACKSON
Audience Members/The Dead RACHEL LENDERS
BREANNA MASTERS
ANNALISE WACHOWIAK
PRODUCTION STAFF
Technical Director MICHAEL RING
Scene Shop Supervisor ANNIE ANDERSON
Stage Manager CHLOE CRITSER
Assistant Stage Manager BETHANY HOOPER
Sound Board Operator ZYEIRRE SMITH
Light Board Operator KEVIN WALLS
Follow Spot Operator JOSH PARSIO
Deck Crew SYDNEY MOUTIER
BETHANY HOOPER
Costume Crew ISAIAH COEN
DANIELLE HITCHCOCK
LEEANN J PETTIGREW
Hair/Makeup Crew TIFFANY BRAVO
Scene Shop Assistants
Costume Shop Assistants
Box Office Assistants
Dramaturgs
Production Photography
Video Services
KAILEY LOZIER
MATTHEW FURNESS
KEVIN WALLS
ALYSSA QUIMBY
SANTINO ALVARADO
SIDRA ROCHE
RACHEL ROGSTAD
XANDER SHORTS
TAYLOR RICKERT
LEA BENDANTUNGUKA
TRISTAN JACKSON
ADDISON BREMMER
KAYLEE CERVANTES
AVA DE HARO
CAITLYNN KEENEY
ALEXANDRA KUEBLER
ELIZABETH GRAY
LILY HARPER
SABRINA HEIM
CHARLES MARTINEZ
EMMA PINZA
ELIZABETH GRAY
EMMA PINZA
DANIEL ARRIALA
MICHAEL RING
CAST
KALEB BRAVO (Mr. Webb) is a senior Theatre major and Film minor from Lake Elsinore, CA. Previous theatre credits include Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: Comedy of Errors (Dromio); California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Henry Condell), Frankenstein (The Creature), The Play That Goes Wrong (Max), CBU Christmas (Core Dancer). I first give all glory to God! Thank you Mama, Dad, Gigi, Breanna, all my cast, crew, friends, and family, I love you all. Oh, and his Mama loves him! 1 Corinthians 16:14
ALIYA BEAUPAIN (Julia Gibbs/Assistant Costume Designer) is a Senior pursuing a double major in Theatre Performance and Creative Writing. Her previous theatrical credits include: Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: A Comedy of Errors (Adriana), California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Rebecca Heminges), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Madam), and Frankenstein (Clarice). She hopes you enjoy the show!
ADDISON BREMMER (Emily Webb) is a sophomore at CBU majoring in Theatre and minoring in Marketing. She’s excited to be in her second CBU production and her very first play! Some of her past roles include: Little Women (Troll), All Shook Up (Natalie), and Footloose (Ariel). She would like to thank her family, friends, professors, and castmates, and is especially thankful to her director, Ethan Park, for trusting her with this role and always pointing the cast toward Christ. Above all, she’s grateful to the Lord and prays this show inspires others to notice His beauty every day.
MICAH CARLSON (Professor Willard/Joe Stoddard) is a junior Biomedical Sciences Major and Theatre minor from Yucaipa, CA. Some of his previous theatrical credits include: Arrowhead Christian Academy: Little Women (Professor Bhaer); Lifehouse Theater: Aladdin (Ensemble), Newsies (Albert); The Redlands Bowl: Mary Poppins (Ensemble); California Baptist University: Dietrich and Maria (Eberhard/Klaus), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Roma/Ensemble), Little Women (Rodrigo).
NICHOLAS CASTAÑO (George Gibbs) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre. His previous theatrical credits include California Baptist University: Book of Will (Isaac Jaggard), Little Women (Understudy, Laurie), Charter Oak High School: Something Rotten (Nick Bottom), and Singin' in the Rain (Cosmo Brown). Nicholas is ecstatic to be working on this wonderful show with a truly wonderful group of people.
MATTHEW FURNESS (Dr. Gibbs) is a senior Theatre major with concentrations in Performance and Technical Design, along with a minor in American Sign Language. Some of his previous theatrical credits include California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Ben Jonson), The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon), Murder on the Orient Express (Bouc); Antioch Collective: Godspell (Disciple); Courtyard Shakespeare Festival: Henry V (Dauphin), Romeo and Juliet (Prince). He is overjoyed to take on this role in his final year here at CBU.
LILY HARPER (Wally Webb/Joe Crowell/Si Crowell) is a Criminal Justice major with a Psychology minor in her junior year. Her past productions include: The Sound of Music (Sister Berthe/Nun Soloist/Maria Understudy), The Diary of Anne Frank (Edith Frank), Little Women (Rodrigo 2/Dance Ensemble), The Curious Savage (Miss Willie), and more. This is her first straight play at CBU, and she is so happy to be working with such a wonderful cast, director, and production team. She is so thankful to the Lord for giving her this wonderful opportunity.
Jeremiah 29:11!!
TRISTAN JACKSON (Howie Newsome) is a sophomore here at CBU, and he is thrilled to perform in his second performance on the CBU stage! He hopes you all enjoy the performance and urges you to notice the small brush strokes that amount to a beautifully special painting.
ALEXANDRA KUEBLER (Stage Manager/Sound Designer) is a junior Theatre major from everywhere. Her previous theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Frankenstein (Female Creature), Murder on the Orient Express (Countess Andrenyi), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily Cardew), Little Women (Jo March). Colonial Players: Freaky Friday (Savannah). Quito Community Theater: The Fantasticks (Luisa). She would like to thank Ethan Park for constantly believing in her, her family whose support never wavers, and the Louderbacks for trekking to each and every show. Shoutout to her dad who played Mr. Webb in High School. Hope you enjoy the play!
RACHEL LENDERS (Audience Member/The Dead/Assistant Props Designer) is a senior Theatre Arts major and is excited to be in another production! Her previous theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Fruit Seller/Barlady 1), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Townsperson); Peninsula School of Performing Arts: The Nutcracker (Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty). Colossians 3:1-2
BREANNA
MASTERS (Audience
Member/The Dead) is beyond thrilled to be making her CBU Theatre debut! She is a junior, Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Performance for Stage and Screen, and her past credits include Pippin (Featured Ensemble), Clue (Mrs. White), Spamalot (Dead Fred), and The Red Velvet Cake War (Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen). Breanna would like to thank her boyfriend, Kaleb, for his unwavering love, encouragement, and support. She would also like to thank her family, the Bravo family, and her friends for always cheering her on. Breanna is deeply grateful to her professors for this wonderful opportunity. All glory to God!
BROOKE MAURER (Mrs. Soames) couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of Our Town this fall! Brooke is a sophomore Theatre Arts major with a concentration in Musical Theatre who hopes to also earn her English teaching credential throughout her time at CBU. In the future, Brooke would love to perform professionally and teach the future generation about theater. Her credits include The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Footloose (Ariel), Big Fish (Sandra), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolyn). She would like to thank God, her family, friends, her professors, and her amazing roommate Breanna.
ALYSSA QUIMBY (Mrs. Webb) is a senior at California Baptist University; she is studying Theatre and Social Work. You may have seen her in her previous role as Susanna Shakespeare in The Book of Will. Alyssa is honored to be performing as Mrs. Webb for you tonight. She would like to thank all the people who have poured into her. Alyssa would not be where she is today without all her friends, teachers, parents, and mentors' support. She hopes you see the beauty in sunshine and enjoy the show!
TAYLOR
RICKERT (Constable Warren) is a Senior Mechanical Engineering Major from San Diego, CA. Some of his previous theatrical credits include: California Baptist University: Visible Stage Crew/Swing, The Play That Goes Wrong (Ensemble), Cinderella (Ensemble), Dietrich and Maria (Ensemble), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (King Lois XI), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane/Merriman), The Book of Will (Crier), Foothills Christian High School: Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes), Godspell (Jesus) and Bye Bye Birdie (Hugo Peabody). Enjoy the Show!
SIDRA
ROCHE (Rebecca Gibbs/Samantha Craig) is a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Theatre. She is so excited to be acting in her first show here at CBU. She loved being a part of this powerful show and getting to work alongside each talented cast member. Sidra wants to thank her family and friends for all their support, along with her cast and Professor Park, for their hard work and the great memories. God bless and enjoy the show!
CUTTER ROLFS (Simon Stimson) is a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His previous theatrical credits include King’s Schools: The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), Mary Poppins (George Banks), The Wizard of Oz (Oz), The Lion King (Mufasa), Cinderella (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble); California Baptist University: The Book of Will (Ensemble).
This will be his second year performing at CBU, and he will also be in Shrek the Musical. He continues to be grateful for all the opportunities God has given him, as well as all who have encouraged him to get here.
ANNALISE WACHOWIAK
(Audience Member/The Dead) is a sophomore at CBU majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance for Stage and Screen. She is so excited and grateful to be in her first show at CBU. Her previous roles include: Suite Surrender (Claudia McFadden), Pink Panther Strikes Again (Margo Fassbender). She wants to thank her mom and dad, and family for always supporting and encouraging her in her love for theatre and performing. She thanks the Lord for giving her the ability to perform every day and do what she loves.
BEHIND THE SCENES
ETHAN PARK (Director) is honored to direct this timeless American classic by Thornton Wilder. He holds an MFA from the East 15 Acting School in London as part of their international program with the University of Essex, and a BA in Theatre from California Baptist University. Some of his favorite directing credits include Sunday in the Park with George, Murder on the Orient Express, The Lightning Thief, and Neil Simon's Fools at California Baptist University, All in the Timing by David Ives, Debris by Dennis Kelly, and Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire. He was fortunate enough to perform on Shakespeare’s Globe stage and at The Bridewell Theater during his time in London and has worked locally with companies such as Riverside Rep, Gestalt Theatre Co, Lewis Family Playhouse, California Center for the Arts Escondido, and Courtyard Shakespeare Theatre Festival.
MACHIR LAKOFKA (Costume Designer) holds degrees in Graphic Design and Design / Technical Theater from CSU, San Bernardino. She considers herself a craftsperson above all else, a storyteller in form, and studier of people. Historical costuming is her jam but she enjoys a good distress and paint as well. Past credits: Fahrenheit 451, Peter and the Starcatcher, Into the Woods, Joyful Noise (California Baptist University); Secret Garden, Chicago (Performance Riverside); Revelation - the Musical (More Than These Productions); The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; Man of La Mancha, 12 Angry Jurors, Prodigal Son (LifeHouse Theater, Redlands); Rodger and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival)
ANDREW COLE (Design Professor) is a versatile artist with nearly two-and-a-half decades of experience in technology and design across film, television, theatre, and print. His extensive portfolio features collaborations with major companies such as Warner Bros. Pictures, Shiseido Cosmetics, TV Land, American Recordings, TBS, Samsung, PBS and Ford. Andrew’s artistic talents have been showcased through his paintings, exhibited internationally, and have appeared in the film Ocean’s 13 and the Marvel TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
His passion for the immediacy and artistry of film led him to theatrical design, where he continues to excel. Over the years, Andrew has expanded his roles: serving as projection designer for American Idiot and Spring Awakening; performer flying operator for The Little Mermaid; and designing scenic elements for the world premiere production of W.A.S.P. and The Boys Next Door, the latter earning him a Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Award for Theatrical Design Excellence. Recent credits include architectural design for Flightdeck + Rouge Racing, art direction for the Mazda3 and Toyota Tundra, lighting design for The Addams Family, and custom instrument prop design for Musical Theatre West’s The Buddy Holly Story.
ANNIE ANDERSON (Scene Shop Supervisor) After graduating as a student of the program, she went on to become the Scene Shop Coordinator for the University of Redlands for 2 ½ years. She then came back to CBU to work as the School of Performing Arts Scene Shop Supervisor, teaching students how to build and paint theatre sets, and designing for various productions such as this year's Shrek The Musical, Little Women, Murder on The Orient Express, The Lightning Thief, The Comedy of Errors, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, and Seussical. Annie loves to work with the students and teaches them to persevere with whatever scenic design comes their way“It’s hard work, but it feels great when we accomplish these wonderful sets with such an amazing team of people”.
MICHAEL RING (Technical Director) oversees technical production and supports student learning in lighting, sound, and stagecraft with the CBU Theatre Arts Division. A 2014 graduate of CBU Theatre, Michael began his technical journey with Plantation Productions, which eventually led to managing performance spaces for organizations such as The Box Theatre and the El Monte Union High School District. In addition to his full-time role, he regularly takes on freelance work in technical theatre, photo/video production, and 3D printing. Michael lives in Riverside with his wife Colby and their two children, Alex and Lilly.
KYLE ALEXANDER SKOUSEN (Lighting Designer) is an up-andcoming Lighting designer in the theatre industry, having learned design at Crafton Hills College and taking classes online. He has worked at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino, and at the Redlands Theatre Festival. His most recent work was here at CBU, working on the Courtyard Shakespeare Festival. He is excited to show you his work and would like to thank the crew at CBU for their hard work on this production.
KAILEY LOZIER (Scenic/Properties Designer) is a Senior majoring in Design/Technical Theatre. Her previous credits at CBU include Properties Design for Dietrich and Maria, The Importance of Being Earnest, and A CBU Christmas 2024, as well as Associate Scenic Designer for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Additionally, she has served as Stage Manager for Cinderella, Murder on the Orient Express, The Book of Will, and as Assistant Stage Manager for A CBU Christmas 2024. She hopes you enjoy today's production of Our Town! Ephesians 5:15-16
VIENNA AGUAS (Hair and Makeup Designer) Past technical credits include: California Baptist University; Sunday in The Park with George (Wig Maintenance & Application), The Book of Will (Wig Design), Comedy of Errors (Costumes).
AVA HILL (Assistant Hair and Makeup Designer) is a sophomore major and is assisting with hair and makeup design for this production. This is her first year doing design work for a show, and she is so excited! She worked on the hair and makeup crew for Sunday in the Park with George at CBU in the fall of 2024 and played the part of Alice in Book of Will in the spring.
CHLOE CRITSER (Stage Manager) is a double major in Theatre and Education with a concentration in performance and technical design! She is so excited to be stage managing her first show and is extremely grateful that she gets to help tell this beautiful story. Abigail would like to thank her friends and family for all their amazing support in everything she has done and in everything she will do! Hebrews 13:5
LISSA GRAY (Dramaturgy) is a senior Theatre Major with a concentration in Musical Theatre. She has created a dramaturgical display once before for Sunday in the Park with George which included an educational PDF. She hopes that this display will help you search for the treasure in the mundane in Our Town.
EMMA PINZA (Assistant Dramaturg Designer) is a sophomore Musical Theatre student and is so excited to be taking on her first design position! The design for the Our Town lobby display was a fascinating and satisfying challenge. She hopes that Our Town touches you deeply, and reminds you that… “Each life – though it appears to be a repetition among millions – can be felt to be inestimably precious.” - Thornton Wilder. John 15:12.
THORNTON WILDER (1897-1975), born in Madison, Wisconsin, and educated at Yale and Princeton, was an accomplished novelist and playwright whose works explore the connection between the commonplace and the cosmic dimensions of human experience. The Bridge of San Luis Rey, one of his seven novels, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1928, and his next-to-last novel, The Eighth Day, received the National Book Award (1968). Two of his four major plays garnered Pulitzer Prizes: Our Town (1938) and The Skin of Our Teeth (1943). His play The Matchmaker ran on Broadway for 486 performances (1955-1957), Mr. Wilder’s Broadway record, and was later adapted into the recordbreaking musical Hello, Dolly!
Mr. Wilder also enjoyed enormous success with many other forms of the written and spoken word, among them translation, acting, opera librettos, lecturing, teaching and film (his screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1943 psycho-thriller Shadow of a Doubt remains a classic to this day). Letter writing held a central place in Mr. Wilder’s life, and since his death, three volumes of his letters have been published.
Mr. Wilder’s many honors include the Gold Medal for Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the National Book Committee’s Medal for Literature. On April 17, 1997, the centenary of his birth, the US Postal Service unveiled the Thornton Wilder 32-cent stamp in Hamden, Connecticut, his official address after 1930 and where he died on December 7, 1975.
Mr. Wilder continues to be read and performed around the world. Our Town is performed at least once each day somewhere in this country, with his other major dramas and shorter plays not far behind. In 2008, Our Town and The Bridge of San Luis Rey were selected as a joint choice for the NEA’s “Big Read” Program. In recent years Wilder’s works have also inspired a growing number of adaptations, among them an opera based on Our Town (music by Ned Rorem, libretto by J.D. McClatchy) and a
dramatized version of his novel Theophilus North (Matt Burnett). Reflecting the renewed interest in Mr. Wilder, the Thornton Wilder Society sponsored the first international conference on his works in fall 2008. For more information, visit www.thorntonwilder.com.
SPECIAL THANKS
- Alex Stephens for his work in marketing and advertising design
- Justin McWhorter and Matthew McConnell for technical contributions - The CBU Marketing & Communication team - Nathan Underwood from Events Center Ticketing
- Dr. Joseph Bolin, Dr. Charles Sands, and Dr. Ronald L. Ellis for their continued leadership and support of the Theatre Arts Division and The Collinsworth School of Performing Arts
