Village Theatre Guild looks back at 50 years of musicals

The Village Theatre Guild, Glen Ellyn’s community theater, will celebrate its 50th season with a festive cabaret Nov. 16 and 17 billed as “VTG Showstoppers! 50 Years of Musical Memories.”

In a night of music, fun and reminiscing, singers and musicians from the troupe will present a cavalcade of show tunes taken from an assortment of musicals that the Village Theatre Guild has performed over the past 50 years.

Sue Keenan, a founding member of the VTG, is producing the show. Doug Orlyk, just off a successful run with the VTG production of “A Little Night Music,” will act as music director and perform.

“The audience can expect a wide variety of songs from a wide variety of musicals, including ‘Godspell,’ ‘Nunsense,’ ‘Chicago’ and ‘Baby,’” says Orlyk.

“Music appeals universally to all audience members. And the title of this cabaret suggests more than just music. There are remembrances to be shared through this music; it’s a great way to honor the contributions of members throughout the group’s history.”

“People love to hear music because it makes them feel good. It is a creative form of the arts that helps us celebrate and dance — it helps us express ourselves in a form of communication that is universal,” says lifetime member Lynn Walsh.

“That is why the VTG, a family of theater people, has chosen music to celebrate its 50th anniversary.”

The cast is made up of Sue Benner, Kim Borland, Karen Bronson, Kelly Buesse, Terry Foster, Mark Mavetz, Doug Orlyk, David Pfenninger, Debbie Roberts and Lori Skubich.

“We have had a number of extremely talented vocalists through the years,” Orlyk says. “I am excited that all of the performers in this cabaret have sung on the VTG stage at one time or another.”

“VTG Showstoppers! 50 Years of Musical Memories” plays at the Village Theatre Guild, Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn, at 7:30 p.m.

For ticket information, call (630) 469-5414 or visit villagetheatreguild.org. Tickets, which include wine and cheese receptions before and after the performance, are $25.