Another Day's Begun

<p>A work of startling originality when it debuted in 1938 Thornton Wilder's <i>Our Town</i> evolved to be seen by some as a vintage slice of early 20th Century Americana rather than being fully appreciated for its complex and eternal themes and its deceptively simple form. This unique and timely book shines a light on the play's continued impact in the 21st century and makes a case for the healing powers of Wilder's text to a world confronting multiple crises. Through extensive interviews with more than 100 artists about their own experience of the play and its impact on them professionally and personally - and including background on the play's early years and its pervasiveness in American culture - <i>Another Day's Begun</i> shows why this particular work remains so important essential and beloved. <p/>Every production of <i>Our Town</i> has a story to tell beyond Wilder's own. One year after the tragedy of 9/11 Paul Newman in his final stage appearance played the Stage Manager in <i>Our Town </i>on Broadway. Director David Cromer's 2008 Chicago interpretation would play in five more cities ultimately becoming New York's longest-running <i>Our To</i>wn ever. In 2013 incarcerated men at Sing Sing Correctional Facility brought Grover's Corners inside a maximum security prison. After the 2017 arena bombing in Manchester UK the Royal Exchange Theatre chose <i>Our Town</i> as its offering to the stricken community. <p/>80 years after it was written more than 110 years after its actions take place <i>Our Town</i> continues to assert itself as an essential play about how we must embrace and appreciate the value of life itself. <i>Another Day's Begun</i> explains how this American classic has the power to inspire heal and endure in the modern day onstage and beyond.</p>