‘Dr. Cook’s Garden’ set to bloom at Village Theatre Guild
Village Theatre Guild’s 61st season blooms on Oct. 18 with the opening of “Dr. Cook’s Garden” by Ira Levin.
In the Vermont village of Greenfield Center, lives the genial, benevolent, and greatly loved old physician, Dr. Cook, who is very proud of his award winning garden and his community. When former resident and new doctor, Jim Tennyson arrives to visit his mentor, the two become pitted against each other over a matter of medical ethics.
Their ultimate reactions to this dilemma, provide the audience with some unforgettable, breath-stopping suspense filled moments. By the author of “Deathtrap,” “The Stepford Wives,” and “Rosemary’s Baby,” Ira Levin’s story will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The production is directed by Jody Vogel and produced by Dave Dolnics.
“This was a play I was not familiar with and when I first read it, I enjoyed the twists and turns that it took. It’s a thriller that deals with what is morally right,” Vogel said.
The cast of the production includes: John Vinopal as Dr. Leonard Cook; Michael Ferrarelli as Dr. Jim Tennyson; Kathy Bright as Bea Schmidt; Karin Kramer as Dora Ludlow; and Tim Pradel as Elias Hart.
“It’s just a creepy story. These are characters that you should love, but one has a very odd way of managing the town that he so dearly loves,” Vinopal commented about what he found interesting about the play.
“This is an excellent mystery with several twists that will keep the audience engaged and curious,” Kramer added.
“Dr. Cook’s Garden” opens on Friday, Oct. 18 and runs for 12 performances until Saturday, Nov. 9.
Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 2. As part of Arts DuPage’s Arts Month in October, Village Theatre Guild will host an audience appreciation reception following the performance on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Tickets are $25 and are now on sale by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230 or villagetheatreguild.com/2024-1.
Village Theatre Guild is located at 2S720 Park Blvd. (near the northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard) in Glen Ellyn. Free parking is available.
Vogel had the last word about what Village Theatre Guild audiences will take away should they purchase a ticket to this production.
“I hope the audience will be on the edge of their seats to the very end of the show. I hope the car ride home holds conversations on morality versus justice and what makes one do certain things for those they love and care about,” Vogel said. “The cast and crew are bringing another quality production, showcasing our local talent, to the western suburbs. Village Theatre Guild prides itself on putting on shows that may not be well known but provide our audiences with a quality theater experience.”