At Skokos PAC from 9th to 11th of August

Called the “greatest American play ever-written”, OUR TOWN is a timeless drama, capturing daily life in the fictitious rural town of Grover’s Corners at the turn of the 19th century. Through the experiences of childhood sweethearts George and Emily, universal themes of love, life and death, and what it means to be human, are explored.

Appropriately, OUR TOWN is being staged as a part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Alma’s founding in 1874. The audience joins the actors on stage in this immersive experience brought to you by the creative team at the Skokos Performance Arts Center

Day and Time

08/09 - 7:30PM 
08/10  - 3PM & 7:30PM
08/11 - 3PM & 7:30PM

On Stage Seating Arrangement

Floor: $34
Tiered: $27
Box: $45
Students: $15/25

Sponsored By

Ronnie and Rosie Newton

Amos Cochran, a renowned composer and musician, has embarked on a unique journey with his involvement in the upcoming performance of Our Town at the Skokos Performing Arts Center in Alma, Arkansas. His relationship with the play and the theater community in Alma runs deep, and his innovative approach to scoring Our Town promises to bring a fresh perspective to this timeless classic.

Cochran's journey with Our Town began when a friend in Little Rock asked him to score a version of the play. Initially, Cochran saw Our Town as just another high school production, but he quickly realized the depth and significance of Thornton Wilder's work. "I didn't really know it... I've come to learn what a mistake that is," he admits. This realization transformed his approach to the play and its music.

Chuck King, the executive director of the Skokos Performing Arts Center, played a crucial role in bringing Cochran into the fold. The two have a long-standing creative relationship, having collaborated on various projects over the years. Cochran notes, "Long-term relationships often lead to neat things. That's kind of how we ended up landing on this project."

The connection between Cochran and the Skokos Performing Arts Center is further strengthened by personal ties. Cochran's daughter, Maddie, graduated from Alma High School and was actively involved in the theater program, even starring as Miss Honey in their production of *Matilda* last fall. This deep-rooted connection to the theater and the community adds another layer of significance to Cochran's work on Our Town.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Cochran's involvement is his decision to integrate live music into the performance in a way that enhances the audience's experience without overshadowing the play itself. "I'm on stage playing... I'm some kind of character... I'm representing time," Cochran explains. His music will be performed during the interstitial moments—when the audience is entering, during intermissions, and as they leave—creating a subconscious connection to the themes of time and the mundane moments of life that the play so poignantly explores.

Cochran's unique approach stems from his belief that music should serve the story rather than dominate it. "I'm a huge proponent of less... silence is often the best storyteller," he says. By carefully choosing moments to introduce his music, Cochran aims to amplify the emotional impact of the play. "When you are given the music in the actual play... it makes you focus and it makes your breath slow down, and it makes you really kind of lean in and listen."

The simplicity of Cochran's music, characterized by its minimalistic use of chords and notes, mirrors the everyday moments depicted in *Our Town*. "It's more about how you feel the space in between the notes than the actual notes themselves," he explains. This musical approach aligns perfectly with the play's exploration of life's small, often overlooked moments.

For Cochran, this project is not just about creating music but an experience that resonates with the audience on a profound level. Reflecting on his daughter's reaction to seeing Our Town for the first time, he recalls, "By the time we got to the middle of the third act... she was just in tears... visually moved by this work and really resonating with the themes of time and of being a human."

Cochran's dedication to authenticity and emotional depth in his work promises to bring a new dimension to the Skokos Performing Arts Center's production of *Our Town*. His collaboration with the theater's talented team, including director Audra Brocsnick and technical director Steven Sellers, ensures that this performance will be a memorable and moving experience for all who attend.

Called the “greatest American play ever written,” Our Town is a timeless drama that captures daily life in the fictitious rural town of Grover’s Corners at the turn of the 19th century. Through the experiences of childhood sweethearts George and Emily, universal themes of love, life, and death, and what it means to be human, are explored.

Appropriately, Our Town is being staged as a part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Alma’s founding in 1874. The audience joins the actors on stage in this immersive experience brought to you by the creative team at the Skokos Performance Arts Center.

Don't miss this unique performance of *Our Town* at the Skokos Performing Arts Center in Alma, Arkansas, from August 9th to 11th. Experience the magic of Amos Cochran's music woven seamlessly into this beloved classic.

Performance Schedule:

- August 9th: 7:30 PM

- August 10th: 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM

- August 11th:   3:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Join us for a celebration of Alma's history and a poignant exploration of life's most cherished moments. Visit the Skokos PAC website https://www.skokospac.org/page/our-town to purchase tickets and be part of this extraordinary event.