What, no Paul Newman? Oh, it's not that version of Our Town but rather a smartly edited documentary about a group of teachers who mount a high school student production of Thornton Wilder's classic play. Their challenge? The underfunded school, which hasn't produced a show in 20 years, is located in the troubled inner-city neighborhood of Compton, California.
Following their difficult and sometimes humorous rehearsal process, director Scott Kennedy parallels the play's universal themes--community, family, love and loss--with the students' lives, poignantly illustrating how relevant the material still is today. Their victory may seem small--the play is performed in the cafeteria--but Our Town's effect on their lives, school and community seems significant. OT is required viewing, even if you cut drama class in school.