Village Theatre Guild show mixes love, quantum mechanics
How can love mix with a notion taken from quantum mechanics that what happens in the future can influence the past?
Glen Ellyn's Village Theatre Guild explores that question in Penny Penniston's quirky and smart comedy, "now then again," which continues weekends through June 14.
Tickets are available by calling (630) 469-8230 for the provocative and surprising story about time, science fantasy and the eternal elements of love, chance and humor.
The improbable setting for "now then again" is the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Batavia.
"Although the story takes place at Fermilab, this really is a romantic comedy," director Lisa Dolnics of Naperville said. "Yes, there are references to physics throughout the play, but it really is about being in the right place at the right time."
Does the audience require a grasp of quantum mechanics or the physics of matter, energy and time?
"Absolutely not," Dolnics said. "But it might make the story more interesting if you do. What I want the audience to come away with is to really think about some of the choices we make, or the ones that are already decided for us, and the effects on our lives. In other words, to believe in destiny."
"Now then again" won the Joseph Jefferson Award as the outstanding new work in Chicago theater when it premiered at Baliwick Repertory in the 1999-2000 season.
In the Glen Ellyn production, Sharon Kushiner of Willow Springs plays Ginny Aden, a perky, young graduate student who is married to attorney Chris Preston, portrayed by Dave Amato of Glen Ellyn.
Things get complicated when Ginny works on a project with Henry Rainer, a shy, young physicist with a romantic heart, played by Terry Wehrman Jr. of Crest Hill.
Dr. Armand Trousant, Henry's boss, is portrayed by Phil Troyk of Morton Grove. And Stan Kosek of Villa Park is cast as Felix, a shaggy-looking janitor with a streak of hidden genius. Paul Siegal of Highland Park appears both as a minister and a rabbi.
The show takes the stage at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 14, with matinees at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and Sundays, June 1 and 8. Tickets are $18.
The Village Theatre Guild is near the northwest corner of Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn. For reservations, visit villagetheatreguild.org.
If you go
What: "now then again," staged by Glen Ellyn's Village Theatre Guild
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 14; 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and Sundays, June 1 and 8
Where: Northwest corner of Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn
Tickets: $18
Info: (630) 469-8230 or villagetheatreguild.org