Act I begins with no curtain; the Stage Manager simply appears onstage and brings in two tables, some chairs, and a bench. As the house lights dim, he speaks directly to the audience, telling them who wrote and directed the play, as well as necessary facts about Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, “just across the Massachusetts line ” He announces the time as being just before dawn on May 7, 1901. He delineates the layout of the town, pointing out six churches, the railroad tracks, the town hall and jail, the post office, and Polish Town, where the minority families live. He is able to look into the future and announce when the first automobile will reach town.
The Stage Manager points to an imaginary spot downstage and explains that Doc Gibbs lives in this house. At this time, two trellises are pushed onstage for “those who think they have to have scenery ” Mrs. Gibbs’ garden, he explains, is in the corner of the stage. Next door is the Webbs’ house and garden. It is a nice town, the Stage Manager explains, even though “nobody very remarkable ever came out of it ” Tombstone dates, he adds, go back to the 1670s and 80s.
The Stage Manager catches sight of Doc Gibbs coming down the street and comments that another day is beginning in “our town ” The paper boy is now getting up, and Shorty Hawkins is preparing to flag the 5:45 train for Boston.
