SPOTLIGHT: Jane Orme, director of “Our Town”

Photo by Jane Orme.

​This month’s spotlight shines on Jane Orme, director of Our Town. Jane has worn many hats at The Merc Playhouse: longtime director, retired public school teacher, past board president, and now a returning board member. She has guided countless productions with her trademark warmth and creativity, building community both onstage and off. Now she’s bringing Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic, Our Town to life for our Methow Valley audiences.

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Q: You’ve directed many productions for The Merc. What keeps you coming back?
A: Our Methow Valley community. The Merc has such a devoted audience and an incredible pool of talent. Each show becomes more than just a production—it’s a shared experience that connects us as artists and as friends. I love working with the actors and crew. They are all so talented and generous, and they collectively want to make these shows the best ever.
The stage for Our Town is set with pieces loaned to us by our community members. I asked if anyone had a wedding dress and received responses immediately. (Someone started a rumor that I was getting married – haha.) Board members, staff, friends, and even my family have donated, contributed, and been present for these productions. I’ve enjoyed lasting friendships with many young people as well as adults through the years because of this fabulous theater.

Q: For those who have never seen or read it, what is Our Town about in a nutshell?
A: Our Town, by Thornton Wilder, is a three-act play about a small community that feels familiar in any place or time. Methow Valley audiences as well as folks from other places will relate to the characters and community. It follows the Gibbs and Webb families—especially George and Emily—as they grow from teen years to marriage and beyond. Through the Stage Manager’s guidance, the play reveals the beauty of everyday life, love, and the power of relationships.

Q: Written in 1938, Our Town is often called one of the greatest American plays. Why do you think it’s stayed relevant for so many generations of theatergoers?
A: Audiences relate to Our Town’s themes. The play speaks to the message of appreciating life’s moments, which we all need to be reminded of during our most busy daily lives.

Q: And for audiences seeing it for the first time, what do you think will surprise them most about the play?
A: The cast is fabulous—that’s no surprise—but I love it personally when there’s a familiar face on stage for the first time. Also, the play has lots of humor.

Q: Every director puts their own stamp on a classic. In what ways do you feel this production is uniquely yours?
A: The choice to costume the actors in clothing mostly from their own closets. It grounds the story in the everyday, making Our Town feel immediate and relevant to today’s audience.

Q: Is there a particular scene or moment in the play that gives you goosebumps every time?
A: Yes, every time, but I can’t reveal which one. (Don’t want to give away special moments ahead of time, but let’s just say I cry every time I hear the line.)

Q: Beyond directing, you’ve also recently rejoined The Merc’s board of directors. How does wearing both hats—director and board member—shape your perspective on community theater?
A: Each role means a lot to me. As a board member I listen for the community’s voice, and as a director I get to bring that voice to life on stage. It’s a privilege to do both.

Q: If someone who isn’t usually involved in theater peeked into rehearsal, what might surprise them about the process?
A: Everyone is extremely focused on doing the best job possible, but occasionally we break down into fits of maniacal laughter.

Q: What do you hope the cast themselves are learning or experiencing as they bring this story to life?
A: I hope they are realizing how every character on stage reminds them of themselves and people they encounter in their own daily lives.

Q: And for the audience, what do you think people here in the Methow Valley will recognize in themselves when they watch Our Town?
A: I think they’ll see themselves in the families, friendships, and shared experiences of community—whether in the Methow or somewhere else.
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Q: Finally, if you could whisper one piece of advice from Our Town into the ear of everyone leaving the theater, what would it be?
A: Cherish those everyday moments. Make ’em count.

Can't wait to see the show? Grab your reserved seat tickets now! 

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