LBW Community College students will soon bring a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama to life in “Our Town,” Thornton Wilder’s classic portrayal of small-town American life.

“This is an eager and excited group of college students who are imaginative and creative, and I’m enjoying watching them bring this production to life,” said Eric Lidh, play director.

It’s been more than 20 years since Lidh directed “Our Town” at LBW, which will be performed during the first week of March in the Martha and Solon Dixon Center for the Performing Arts at LBWCC in Andalusia.

“This was the first play we did when the theater opened and it seems appropriate to do it again in the College’s fiftieth year.”

Lidh said “Our Town” is one of his favorite productions because it touches on themes relevant to everyday life.

“People can actually relate this play to Andalusia, Opp, Red Level, Florala, or any small town,” he said. “It deals with love, life and death, all part of our daily lives. It is set in a small town in the early 1900s, with things that happen in the play relating to our own lives today.”

The creativity of performers will shine in this production, written to include very few props to encourage the audience to use its imagination, he said.

“These actors are developing the characters themselves with little input from me. They decide how to stand or sit or talk, and I am amazed at the talent and enthusiasm.”

Combined with lighting, the set includes simple items, such as tables and chairs, a ladder, a bench and a trellis. It is done this way to keep people aware they are watching a play, and therefore, to remember the message.

“Wilder didn’t want you to be looking at an elaborate set and forget what was going on this play. Remembering that the things you do in your life are important to you and the people around you helps you appreciate the little things in life.”

Lidh said a unique part of the production is the emphasis placed on old hymns.

“We are making use of traditional hymns, such as ‘Shall We Gather at the River,’ and ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’”

Performers include Tyler Peacock and Hunter Odom, both of Andalusia; Kyle Hartline, Austin Harrington, Courtney Slaughter, and Jamie Whisonant, all of Pleasant Home; Toni Flock of Florala; Maggie Holmes, Emily Hammett, Courtney Fussell, Tucker Reynolds, Fuller Myrick, and Jameson Holmes, all of Straughn; Austin Hudson and Danielle Culpepper, both of Luverne; Caleb Petty of Brantley; Brady Walker of Opp; Merrell Barnes of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Dr. Steve Hubbard, LBWCC English faculty.

Matinee performances for high school students will take place March 2-5. Tickets for the public performances at 7:30 p.m. on March 6 and March 7 are $5 each at the door.

For more information, call 334-881-2252.