The Kenny Leon-helmed revival of “Our Town” has revealed a partnership with TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program. The initiative will coincide with Military Family Appreciation Month, celebrated in November, allowing U.S. veterans to attend select performances of the Thornton Wilder classic at no cost.
While the program was founded in 2017 by TDF, the idea to partner specifically with “Our Town” came from a conversation between Katie Holmes, who plays Mrs. Webb in the production, and lead producer Jeffrey Richards.
“One of the things I love about ‘Our Town’ is the sense of community,” Holmes said in a statement. “It’s about seeing each other and taking care of each other. I remember the day we visited Peterborough, New Hampshire, where Wilder wrote the play, we were walking around and I saw in the town they had all of the names of people who served in Vietnam. It hit me so deeply because of this world that Thornton created of everybody knowing one another. It suddenly was your neighbor’s son or your son, and that does affect the whole town.”
“It speaks of Jeffrey’s humanity and profound respect for our veterans that he said yes so quickly to this idea,” Holmes continued. “The entire cast is so honored to perform for our veterans.”
In addition to theater tickets, the program provides participating veterans with a complimentary TDF membership for access to reduced-cost tickets for future productions.
Set in the early years of the 20th century, “Our Town” chronicles the quotidian happenings of the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. The play’s narrator, called the Stage Manager, highlights the beauty in the daily mundane, specifically as it relates to young couple Emily Webb and George Gibbs. Following previews that began on Sept. 17, “Our Town” opened on Oct. 10 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The production is scheduled to play a limited engagement through Jan. 19, 2025.
The TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program is supported by the New York City Council Committee on Veterans and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
