Andrews Osborne to present theater festival

Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby is holding its inaugural Summer Theater Festival.

Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby is holding its inaugural Summer Theater Festival with three shows starting this weekend.

If you haven’t seen “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, then you haven’t seen one of the most performed school plays in history and an American classic. This show kicks off the Summer Theatre Festival this weekend on the Andrews Osborne Academy campus behind the Fine Arts Association, 38588 Mentor Ave. in Willoughby.

“Our Town” is a 1938 three-act play by the American playwright Wilder which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is highly regarded as an American masterpiece.

The production is directed by Darryl Lewis, music and theater instructor at Andrews Osborne Academy and newly appointed diversity coordinator. The goal of the festival is to offer free theater to the public and has been a long-time goal for Lewis.

“I remember so vividly my time spent as an actor participating in the Summer Theater Festival on the campus of Oberlin College,” Lewis recalls. “Families from the community were coming to Hall Auditorium and having their very first experience with live theater. It was transformative for many. I want to make sure that everyone, regardless of status or economics has an opportunity to see impactful live theater.”

While students will participate, it is a mixed company that will be present this production. “This is not a student performance,” Lewis clarifies. “Many accomplished actors from the Greater Cleveland Community have chosen to participate in this production. I love the fact that young actors get to work next to more seasoned actors and learn the craft from someone with experience.”

Performances for “Our Town” are July 30 at 7 p.m., July 31 at 7 p.m., Aug. 1 at 2 p.m., Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 7 at 2 p.m.

In addition to “Our Town,” free performances will also be presented of “A New Hope,” a musical cabaret scheduled for Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. “Dance, Dance, Dance” rounds out the three shows on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are free but quantities are limited. To reserve your tickets, email boxoffice@andrewsosborne.com or call 216-4061699.

Young Thespians is a regular column that focuses on youth in theater. Email stevecouch@windstream.net.