Salisbury High School Theatre is opening its production of “Our Town” 7 p.m. Nov. 7. The play will continue through 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9 and end with its final performance 2 p.m. Nov. 10.

“Our Town,” written by Thorton Wilder, is a Pulitzer Prize winning play, focused on the joys and struggles of a fictional community set in 20th century New Hampshire.

“It [the SHS play] doesn’t really get as much exposure as the musical does, and it is a very important play about appreciating the little things in life,” Livi Cudd, who plays Mrs. Webb, shared. “Even going about your daily life, and even just waking up in the morning is like a miracle.”

Soledad Lausch, who plays Emily Webb in the production, describes the play as being akin to her community. “I think the whole vibe of it is really similar to Salisbury and it’s a small town play. For such a simple play, it has such a powerful message.”

Over the past three months, the students and their director, Shannon O’Grady, have dedicated their nights and weekends to making this production a success.

“The cast members and the crew have worked really hard on it,” Kirrah Kelley, one of the crew members, said. “Everyone’s been working every day after school, especially the cast, since the end of August.”

In addition to practicing lines and blocking, students also worked behind the scenes to create props, adjust lighting and sound and help the cast backstage.

“I like helping behind the scenes and I like figuring out solutions to problems,” Ava Beck said.

The students are excited to share this work, which they describe as being filled with love, nostalgia, and an important message, with their community.

“These luminous humans have worked so hard to bring a fresh modern take to this classic Pulitzer Prize winning story,” O’Grady said.

In addition to directing the play, O’Grady designed the costumes and was involved with set design with Chris West. Lighting design was by West and Raphael Carpo. Stage management/sound board operator is Haily Bender. Assistant stage managers/run crew leaders are Ava Beck and Lee Carpenter. The front cover art for the program is by Faith Spellacy and Anthony Jarjous.

Crew members include Ava Beck, Hailey Bender, Jeshua Caban, Livi Cudd, Cassie Daw, Lauren Dyer, Madison Dyer, Anthony Jarjous, Kirrah Kelley, Will Kocher, Soledad Lausch, Michael McWhorter, Charlotte Neuhs, Leanna Pallero, Kenji Payano Alvarez, Faith Spellacy, Hope Spellacy, Mason Milkovitz, Elijah Richetti and Rae Schnable.

Members of the cast include Soledad Lausch as Emily Webb, Faith Spellacy as George Gibbs, Michael McWhorter as Doc Gibbs and others, Rae Schnable as Mrs. Gibbs and others, Olivia Cudd as Mrs. Webb and ‘stage manager,’ Will Kocher as Mr. Webb and ‘stage manager,’ Anthony Jarjous as Simon Stimson/man in the audience, Cassandra Daw as Mrs. Soames and lady in the audience, Hope Spellacy as Rebecca Gibbs, Emerson Juhasz as Wally Webb, Elijah Richetti as Howie Newsome, Mason Milkovitz as Joe Jr. and Si Crowell, Leanna Pallero as Professor Willard and woman among the dead, Kenji Payano Alvarez as Constable Warren, Beatrice Carag as Miss Corcoran/Sam Craig, Jeshua Caban as Jo Stoddard and Ava Beck as Understudy Constable Warren.

The “Grovers Corners Church Choir” singers include Sophia Brancato, Livi Cudd, Cassie Daw, Anthony Jarjous, Ashlyn Leonard, Kenji Payano Alvarez, Rachel Reinecke, Naomi Smith, Faith Spellacy, Hope Spellacy and Kamryn Yerkes.

“If you are lucky, you will grow old,” O’Grady said.

“If you are very lucky, you will grow old and sit in a comfy chair next to someone you love, and tell them tales of years ago. You will recount happy memories of moonlight nights, sunny days, the sweetness of an ice cream sundae, the fragrance of flowers and fresh cut grass. You will marvel at the little joys, remember how you met cherished friends and sigh at the heartbreaks of those you lost along the way.

“And if you’re very very lucky? You’ll still end each day having delighted in simple pleasures; you’ll never outgrow finding funny shapes in clouds or stopping to (literally!) smell flowers or just finding comfort in the smile of a stranger who passes you on the street or waits with you in a checkout line.

“Life is hard, no doubt. There is so much anger and pain in the world, especially right now. But there is also endless beauty and joy around every corner, if we can just manage to look for it. If we try, we can push past the darkness and keep seeing the light. Please try with me? With my students?

“Thank you. And thank you for choosing to join us. Enjoy the show, and please: be kind.”

“Our Town” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.