Choreographer and director Merete Muenter’s many credits include serving as the Associate Director for Joel Grey’s Off-Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, and as the Assistant Director for the European Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Baayork Lee (an original member of Broadway’s A Chorus Line). She also received a prestigious Chita Rivera Award nomination for her choreography for the National Yiddish Theater’s production of The Golden Bride.  Merete first worked with ATG as Director/Choreographer of our 2019 production of The Bridges of Madison County, which she remembers as “a magical experience” where she was “blessed with a fantastic creative team and cast”, that allowed her to achieve her artistic vision. She returns to ATG again to helm our upcoming production of Our Town, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, NH, which explores the universal themes of life, love, and death.

Can you speak a little about your vision for our production of this classic play?

I truly believe Our Town is a perfect piece and we will pay respect to the beauty of the writing and themes, keeping this important piece of theatrical history intact. We are excited to have Keith Levenson, a composer who served as Music Director for Bridges, return to write some original underscoring for this production. This will allow us to add some movement to the play, creating some beautiful moments and tableaus and weaving the ensemble into the scenes with the principals. We believe this will enhance and move the story; there may be a scene playing on one part of the stage while ensemble members engage in movement in another part, adding another dimension to the action. I am also excited to work with the Drama teachers that have been cast in the show; the play is about community and involving them speaks to its core theme.

What can audiences expect in regard to the production design?

I think it’s important that we don’t lose the element that we’re in a theater so they can certainly expect a special stage design. We will honor Thorton Wilder’s vision of a basic, minimal set, relying on lighting and just a few props to set the scene. I do believe that elaborate sets can sometimes take away from the performances and the beauty of the script, so we’ll be working on creating memorable moments within the confines of the stark environment.

What appealed to you about the play?

In short, how much love is expressed. The love between couples of any age...of family…of friends, home and community…and recognizing the blessings you have in those moments.  The play masterfully demonstrates how we need to be reminded of what we have, to appreciate the ordinary days. It’s also a fascinating look at the women in that time period (early 1900s), their strength and how they served as catalysts for action in their families and communities, despite the limitations placed on them by society at that time. We’re excited to explore the compromises and sacrifices many had to make, and the paths not taken. 

How does your experience as a dancer affect your directorial style?

I was trained as a dancer and it was my primary career focus for many years, so I still remember what it feels like to be a kid in the chorus. I have enormous respect for all members of the team and I am always seeking ways of using all cast members to their full potential. I firmly believe that everyone matters and I try to make the experience fulfilling for all involved. My love for dance and theater overrode nearly everything in my life.  I -- and so many others – are testaments to ‘what we did for love.’  We keep auditioning and keep showing up to continue living the life we love so much.

Why should people come see ATG’s production of Our Town?

It is a beautiful, universal story that everyone can relate to, the love and loss we all experience. It demonstrates how we are not alone; there is a message of hope – even though we have lost something, we endure and carry on. It is a reality check of the blessings we have and a reminder of how we can rise above heartbreak. I hope after seeing our production that audience members will stop to remember an old friend or loved one or perhaps call someone they haven’t spoken to in a while. Human connection is the ultimate goal.

Our Town performance dates are Oct. 23-Nov. 2 at the new Union Arts Center in Union, NJ and Nov. 6-9  at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge, NJ.