'Quartet' portrays dilemmas of aging

What happens to artists when they retire? What does life look like when you're done working, but the music lives on inside you?

Such questions are addressed in Wheaton Drama's upcoming production of "Quartet," running through Sunday, April 3, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton.

Shows begin at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. There is no performance on Easter Sunday, March 27.

Director Toria Hollyn, assisted by Jessica Scobey, has assembled an ensemble cast of Michael Albrow of Naperville, Ken Ball of Woodridge, Joan Morrissey of Wheaton, and Annie Walker-Bright of Wheaton.

Hollyn reflected on her own attraction to the piece.

"My mother, a professional classical singer, was preparing her resignation letter from her 40-year performance career. As a musician and the daughter of a musician, the characters were ones I knew, yet they spoke to the universal themes of aging and maintaining relevance and an active life after a career has ended and the body and brain start to pose new challenges," she said.

Hollyn has been working with the veteran actors in her cast to bring to life a realistic, touching portrayal of stories that could happen for anyone.

"They have been a delight to work with, exploring that fine balance of the weightier moments of illness, loss and death with maintaining the high spirits and resilience of four very strong and independent personalities who relearn to live and perform together," she said.

"With this piece, I hope to fully express my belief that music sings to the soul and allows the soul to sing."

Tickets range from $15 to $18. For tickets, contact (630) 260-1820 or wheatondrama.org.

If you go

What: Wheaton Drama presents "Quartet"

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays (except Easter Sunday) through April 3

Where: Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton

Tickets: $15 to $18

Info: (630) 260-1820 or <a href="http://www.wheatondrama.org/">wheatondrama.org</a>