Contents
Our Town
Overview
Justin is cast as the Stage Manager in the school production of Our Town, while Miranda gets Emily and Via becomes the understudy with a small role. The casting strains schedules and hints at Via’s ambivalence about attention. Mr. Davenport’s last-minute show change compresses rehearsals, raising pressure for everyone.
Summary
Justin narrates that the spring play will be Our Town. At Via’s dare, Justin auditions for the Stage Manager and unexpectedly gets the lead, a first for him. Via does not get the lead of Emily; Miranda, the pink-haired girl, does. Via receives a small part and is Emily’s understudy.
Justin senses Via is relieved rather than upset and suspects she may have intentionally underperformed, since Via dislikes being the center of attention despite her beauty. This contrast reveals Via’s preference for staying out of the spotlight.
With the show set for late April and it being mid-March, Justin faces a tight six-week window to memorize lines, rehearse, keep up with his band, prepare for finals, and spend time with Via. The mounting commitments foreshadow stress and potential strain on his time and relationships.
Mr. Davenport, the drama teacher, is highly intense about the production. Justin hears that Davenport switched from The Elephant Man to Our Town at the last minute, costing a week of rehearsals. The compressed schedule heightens anxiety as Justin braces for a chaotic month and a half.
Who Appears
- JustinNarrator; cast as Stage Manager lead in Our Town; anticipates heavy workload and stress.
- Olivia (Via)Auditions but becomes Emily’s understudy and a bit player; seems relieved, avoiding the spotlight.
- MirandaPink-haired classmate who wins the lead role of Emily in the play.
- Mr. DavenportDrama teacher; switches the play last-minute and drives an intense, compressed rehearsal schedule.