‘Time of My Life’ explores family secrets and the cost of happiness at Glen Ellyn’s Village Theatre Guild
Glen Ellyn — A birthday dinner at a favorite restaurant sets the stage for one family’s journey through past, present, and future — simultaneously. As time unravels in three directions, long-buried secrets emerge, laughter mingles with regret, and the true cost of happiness is revealed.
That’s the premise for “Time of My Life” by Alan Ayckbourn, which opens March 20 for 12 performances through April 11 at Village Theatre Guild.
As the spring production for VTG’s 62nd season unveils a family’s journey onstage, the rehearsal process has been led by members of a family offstage. Naperville residents Lisa S. Dolnics and her husband Dave Dolnics serve as the show’s director and producer, respectively.
“This is the seventh show that Dave and I have worked on, and I think we have a great partnership — we both know our roles and work well together,” Lisa said.
“Our partnership is collaborative and we don’t always agree on what needs to be done, but this helps improve the quality of the overall product,” Dave added.
The cast includes: John Vinopal (Schaumburg), Linda Cunningham (Burr Ridge), Dave Amato (Glen Ellyn), Joe Canna (Lombard), Jessica Scobey (Warrenville), Bea Lemaster (Chicago), and Mike Boyna (Bloomingdale).
“I’ve really enjoyed working with this cast and the play lends itself so you can have individual scenes but they also come together as a ‘family’ too. Of course, the waiters bring the comic relief, which is fun. We’ve had our challenges using British accents, but the cast is taking it all in stride and doing very well,” Lisa explained.
Tickets are currently on sale and going quickly for “Time of My Life.” The first two productions of VTG’s current season played to sold-out houses throughout their runs, so don’t delay getting your tickets.
Reserve tickets at villagetheatreguild.com/2026-3 or by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230. Tickets are $25.
Matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. and evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances are in the evening with the matinees on Sundays. There is no performance on Sunday, April 5, because of Easter. There are also matinee performances on Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, April 11.
Members of the production crew include Maureen Komperda (stage manager), Debi Gits (set decoration), Dave Dolnics (set design and set construction), Kevin Taylor (sound design), Jim Van De Velde (lighting design), Karin Kramer (tech chair), Dan Ruzicka (properties), Lisa S. Dolnics and Lynn Walsh (costumes), Jen Torchia (hair/makeup), Tracy Adams (dialect coach), Carl Zeitler (publicity/social media), David Dowell (photography), Matt Hellyer (graphic design), Sue Knisely and Holly Van Horn (box office), and Jody Vogel (house/hospitality).
The cast is appreciative of being in this reflective production. “The thing that I hope audiences take away from the show is to be more present in their lives, live in the ‘now,’ and don’t take things for granted,” Amato said. “I hope the audience sees that even in a dysfunctional family, there are ‘Happy Times.’ Don’t miss out on them,” added Vinopal.
Village Theatre Guild is located at 2S720 Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Free parking is available.
Season sponsorship provided by Leslie Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
“It’s such an intriguing play, especially the way it’s written where we see these characters in past, present, and future times. I also love the message of the play that Gerry (played by Vinopal) shares with his family in the final scene,” Lisa said. “Sometimes we’re so busy with life, we miss out on those really special moments. It’s so important that we cherish the special people around us and enjoy those moments with them,”