OT: OUR TOWN — *** 1/2 — Documentary on a California high school production of "Our Town," featuring interviews with Catherine Borek, Ebony Starr Norwood-Brown, Archie Posada, Christopher Patterson and others; not rated, probable R (profanity, violence, vulgarity); see "Playing at local movie theaters" for theater listings.
As often as Thornton Wilder's American classic "Our Town" is performed in school and other local stage productions around the country, it's hard to take notice of one more, no matter how well-intentioned or different it may be.
However, it's an understatement to say that most audiences have never seen it performed the way it is in "OT: Our Town," director Scott Hamilton Kennedy's surprisingly involving documentary feature.
That's because the play is performed by a racially mixed cast of students at Manuel Dominguez High School in Compton, Calif. And as the film astutely notes, it's a school with a dwindling graduating class, one that's known more for a few well-publicized race riots and for producing star athletes.
However, a couple dozen students are determined to change that. With the constant prodding of one teacher, Catherine Borek, they aim to mount the school's first theatrical production in more than 20 years. But there are a lot of obstacles to get past.
For one thing, they don't even have a stage. And their "theater" is actually the school cafeteria (since Dominguez High's basketball coach won't let them use his precious gymnasium). What's worse, some of the cast members aren't too thrilled about the choice of material (despite Borek's continuing assurances, they're not convinced as to its continuing "relevance").
Though all of the students are interesting and charismatic, Kennedy wisely makes the decision to follow just a handful, including Ebony Starr Norwood-Brown, who has the play's most important role, as the Stage Manager/Narrator. She's also the most likable of an already likable group.
For contrast, he also intercuts brief snippets from the famous television production of the play, which starred Hal Holbrook, Robby Benson and Charlotte Rae. (While the students' performances may not be as accomplished, they're certainly as laudable.)
Also, the film makes a convincing case that the seemingly antiquated play may actually be more relevant today than ever before. Who would have guessed?
"OT: Our Town" is not rated but would probably receive an R for occasional use of strong sexual profanity and crude slang terms, some lewd dancing and brief violence (gunshots, overheard). Running time: 76 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com