Family drama unfolds on stage
Start summer with a smile and visit with "The O'Conner Girls," the Village Theatre Guild's production by Katie Forgette opening at 8 p.m. May 23 at the theater, northeast corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard, Glen Ellyn.
Performances continue at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. some Saturdays and Sundays through June 14.
Witty dialogue and well-drawn characters reveal a Minnesota family brought together following a father's death but at odds over conflicting agendas.
"I was drawn to this play because of my Irish Catholic upbringing," said director Marianne Bowles. "Most of us can recall many joy-filled moments growing up, made all the more rich by eccentric relatives, combined with our own ethnic and religious heritage. This show will take you back to yours."
As the performers sort through mounds of personal effects, surprising revelations require the daughters to reconsider long-held opinions of their quiet father who ran a revival movie house. New romance and nostalgic memories further enrich the plot.
Playing the two sisters are Suzanne Anthoney of Naperville as Martha O'Conner and Debbie Roberts of Lockport as Liz O'Conner. Annette Mueller of Glen Ellyn plays the mother Sarah O'Conner. Holly Van Horn of Carol Stream is featured as the meddlesome Aunt Margie, and Vince Scalone of Lisle as Dr. David Stevens.
The production staff includes director Marianne Bowles of Glen Ellyn, producer Lee McFadden of Glen Ellyn, and stage manager Lisa Dolnics of Naperville. Set design is by Larry Horn of Wheaton. Chuck Bernstein of Wheaton heads the construction crew. Set decoration is chaired by Betty Bristol of Batavia. Mary Jewell of Villa Park is responsible for costumes. Props are co-chaired by Joan Posejpal and Judy Dybas, both of Glen Ellyn. Lighting design is by Jim Van De Velde of Villa Park, and sound design is by Lisa Crank of Winfield.
Other behind-the-scenes roles include Ric Stuhlmann of Elmhurst as business manager, Judy Horn of Wheaton in charge of the box office, Sue Benner of Wheaton as house chair, Anita Vigilante of Elmhurst handling graphic design, and Maggie Fredricks of Glen Ellyn writing program copy.
Tickets are $18. For tickets, visit www.villagetheatreguild.org or call (630) 469-8230.
If you go
What: "The O'Conner Girls" by Katie Forgette
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, May 23 to June 14; 4 p.m. May 31, June 1, June 7 and June 14
Where: Village Theatre Guild, northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
Cost: $18
Tickets: Call (630) 469-8230 or visit www.VillageTheatreGuild.org
Cast
Martha O'Conner: Suzanne Anthoney, Naperville
Liz O'Conner: Debbie Roberts, Lockport
Sarah O'Conner: Annette Mueller, Glen Ellyn
Aunt Margie: Holly Van Horn, Carol Stream
Dr. David Stevens: Vince Scalone, Lisle
Director: Marianne Bowles of Glen Ellyn