‘Thurber Carnival’ Is A Celebration Of An American Author & Humorist

By Susan Coney

The Newtown High School fall production A Thurber Carnival, written by American author and humorist James Thurber, will be presented this weekend in the high school auditorium. The student-run production is a comedy showcasing a variety of Thurber’s pieces, which contain short stories that beautifully portray Thurber’s vivid outlook on society, life, and human nature.

Greg Gordon, high school senior and director of the comedic masterpiece, chose the show for its diversity and appeal to a wide range of audiences. “I was fascinated with the many different stories told in the play that range from the most incredible, wild, and hilarious situations to the most realistic, sincere, and profound moments,” Greg said.

The high school students are in charge of the production entirely but are under the supervision of high school advisor Chris Canfield. Mr Canfield, who has been involved in theater himself for the past 15 years, said that student director Greg Gordon was “a tough, demanding, but very good director.” Mr Canfield added, “Greg picked an interesting and sophisticated piece of work for high school students. He has contributed his own sophisticated look at the play.” Mr Canfield also stressed that the entire production, from the cast to sound, set, lights and music, has been done by the students themselves.

The production is comprised of a series of skits that are fables, each of which teaches a morale at the end. Alicia Tolson, stage manager for the production, stated, “The play contains good, basic humor; everyone will love it. There are references that appeal to adults and children as well; it is a play for all ages.”

She continued, “An aspect of the production that no one will expect is that there will be live music; that adds an element. You expect that from a musical not from a straight play. Also [student] Zack Gordon is providing all kinds of live sound affects, nothing prerecorded. He uses toys and random household items in making the sound effects, providing an interesting aspect to the play. Everything about the production is kept simple. The props are cartoonlike to echo James Thurber’s work.”

James Thurber lived for a time in Sandy Hook during the early 1930s. In 1931 Thurber and his first wife Althea bought a house with 20 acres of property on Riverside Road for $14,000. While living in Sandy Hook, Thurber wrote a letter to friends reflecting on life in the country, saying, “I have twenty acres and a house a hundred years old and a view over a valley to a Connecticut town that was flourishing when Washington was seducing the Mount Vernon chambermaids. I also have arranged a series of croquet wickets so that they make a golf course running completely around the house.”

The couple’s first child, Rosemary, was born in the house on Riverside Road and the family remained in the home until 1934 when the couple separated.

The production will take place on Thursday, November 17, at 8 pm, Friday, November 18, at 8 pm, and Saturday, November 19, at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students. For ticket information call 426-7983.