by Sarah Mummert, Student Public Relations Writer
For its winter season, the theatre department at Cedarville University will be performing Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” in the DeVries Theatre. The show runs February 2-12.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the information desk in the Stevens Student Center at the university. 
“Our Town” is considered a classic of American theatre as it portrays life in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, at the turn of the last century. In scenes of daily life that capture the poetic beauty of every day, the play celebrates family, faith and the daily miracles that happen all around us, if we are just attuned to see them.
Haleigh Compton, a junior from Haslett, Michigan, double-majoring in broadcasting and digital media and theatre, landed the role of Emily Webb, the character that the plotline follows. After having worked on nearly all of Cedarville’s mainstage productions during her college career, Compton said there is something special about this role.
“Emily comes to see how precious her life was, even in the mundaneness of everyday life,” Compton said. “As a college student, it really spoke to my heart, helping me see that it’s OK to slow down and enjoy the little moments, because those are the most beautiful.”
“The production is anything but grandiose, as compared with other productions,” said Ethan Mitchell, a biblical studies sophomore from Jacksonville, Florida, who plays the role of George Gibbs. “The show contains fewer props and visuals, allowing the audience to focus on the various characters and the strong emotions.”
Dr. Diane Merchant, professor of theatre, is the director of the production. “It’s an important concept for our culture in America, which seems to be about fame and materialism, where we’ve lost how important the simple things are.”
The last time the university performed “Our Town” was over 20 years ago, but the values are timeless.
Compton said, “I’m really excited to share this message with people, about how special life is, full of all the little things that God has created for us to enjoy.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its Bachelor of Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, in Theatre, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.