Lemont History Takes Center Stage in LHS Winter Play

When students hit the stage this weekend in Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town, audience members will recognize a number of historical references to their own hometown. 

Set in the early 20th century, Our Town portrays life in an ordinary New Hampshire town, illustrating the daily routines and personal relationships of an American family. In the Lemont High School Drama Club’s version, which runs Feb. 11-12 at the school's Performing Arts Center, all references to the “town” are specific to Lemont.

"We left the original script intact, but changed all of Thornton Wilder's specific references to his (New Hampshire) town to include geographical and historical aspects of Lemont," said director Sharon Jacobs, who sponsors the Lemont High School Drama Club.

During the play, students will reference landmarks such as cemeteries, churches and well-known businesses, and photographs of "old Lemont" will be featured in the set, Jacobs said.

"We chose specific details so the audience will feel as though they are actually in Lemont at a particular point in its history," she added.

According to Jacobs, the drama club relied on two books for its historical references: the Lemont 125th Anniversary Book, which was produced and edited by the Lemont Historical Society, and Lemont and Its People by Sonia Kallick.

Rehearsals for Our Town have been particularly challenging for students, as Wilder's script focuses more on the performances of the actors than the presence of props or scenery. To help prepare her student, Jacobs organized , or acting without props, which was led by Lemont High School alumnus and professional actor Joseph Ramski.

"Pantomime is really just physical storytelling, so the actors must be able to use their body movements and gestures  as opposed to props and settings," Jacobs said. "Our Town is very minimal, so our students are required to become versed in pantomime."

Several students said the workshop was critical in helping them prepare for the type of acting required in Wilder's script.

"Our Town is such a difficult play so it helped that (Ramski) really pushed us and made us be more aware of our surroundings and what we were doing," said Lemont High School senior Clare Rogers, one of the play's leads. "I feel like we expanded our abilities, so we'll be more prepared for the play."

Despite losing two rehearsal days last week due to the blizzard, Jacobs said her students "are ready to go" and are excited to bring some of Lemont's history to life.

"This play is special for us," she said. "We're paying homage to our town."

Our Town is performed under the direction of Jacobs, with Roy Nees serving as assistant director. Dan Franke is in charge of stage design and construction, while technical assistance is provided by Terry Redford. Senior Amy Gebka is the production's student director, and sophomore Zach Taylor is the stage manager.

The play will run Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Lemont High School Performing Arts Center, 800 Porter St. Tickets may be purchased at the door, and are $7 for adults and $5 for children, senior citizens and students with a valid school ID.

Check Patch this afternoon for a full gallery of photos from 'Our Town' rehearsals.