Comedy-drama ‘At the Wedding’ closes Village Theatre Guild’s 62nd season
Village Theatre Guild is closing out their 62nd season in style. They cordially invite you to be "At the Wedding" by Bryna Turner. In this raucous and bittersweet comedy, a woman named Carlo guides the audience through her ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a man, and talks to several friends and family about love, life, and how to cope with both.
"At the Wedding" is directed by Carl Zeitler (Glen Ellyn) and produced by Zeitler and Renata Allelujka (Crest Hill). Maureen Corcoran (Wheaton) is the production’s stage manager.
The cast features Kate Roberts (Lockport), Jayne Furlong (Oak Park), Koshie Mills (Elmhurst), Kyle Januska (Elmhurst), Cheryle McKay (Oak Brook), Maddie Mette (Chicago), Krystal Adams (Roselle), and Stephen E. Foxworthy (Homewood).
"When I first read this script, I was immediately taken with the strength of the writing, the depth of the characters and the dialogue, and the emotional journey that Carlo goes on," Zeitler explained.
Seven of the eight members of the cast are making their debuts at Village Theatre Guild with this production.
“I always welcome and am excited by the chance to work with new people. That’s how community theaters grow -- by engaging and expanding their communities. The script and the roles brought out these actors, and for that, I’m very fortunate and grateful,” Zeitler said.
There are seven roles but eight members of the cast. That’s because Furlong and Roberts were double cast in the central role of Carlo.
"Maureen and Renata brought up this opportunity to me during the audition process. There are twelve performances in a VTG production, so rather than use an understudy in case of illness or misfortune, we thought this better represented how we valued their time as actors. Each actor was allowed to develop the character with their unique talents, and they had the support and partnership of each other through this process," Zeitler explained.
"It’s been fascinating watching the actors interact with the two Carlos. The other actors have been adapting and changing their approaches to their characters based on the actor with whom they are rehearsing. It has given the other actors the ability to try different approaches in a safe space and created some fast growth in their roles," Corcoran observed.
The two actors have been enthusiastic about the process. "Sharing the role with Jayne has been so fun and honestly a big learning experience for me. Every rehearsal, we are all learning different things about our characters. We have a good time really delving into these characters as a cast and finding deeper meaning in literally everything," Roberts said. "I’ve so appreciated Carl giving Kate and I the freedom and trust to explore that creatively together and the support from the other cast members, who have the harder job of adapting to interacting with each of us. There’s been no ego, just encouragement and discovery," Furlong added.
The production runs May 22 through June 13. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. There is also a Saturday matinee performance at 2 p.m. June 6.
Performances with Roberts in the role of Carlo will be on May 22, 24, 30, June 5, 7:30 p.m. June 6, and June 12.
Performances with Furlong in the role of Carlo will be on May 23, 29, 31, June 6 at 2 PM, June 7, and June 13.
The setting of the play provided an opportunity to expand on the event with a pre-show reception out on the VTG patio. Patrons will get to enjoy FAUX-mosas, assorted mocktails and other festive non-alcoholic beverages, and yummy appetizers to celebrate the nuptials. There will be music and the opportunity to sign the the guestbook and provide marital advice to the newlyweds.
"We would like our audience members to be entertained from the moment they exit their cars in our parking lot and creating this outdoor reception area will contribute to their enjoyment. Should inclement weather prohibit this excitement outside, we will attempt to share the experience indoors with our concessions cart decked out in true wedding style as they enter the theatre and select their seats," Allelujka said.
The production crew includes Steve Petersen (set design), Debi Gits (set decoration chair), Dave Dolnics (set construction chair), Kevin Taylor (sound design), Dan Ruzicka (lighting design), Julie Rodgers-Baker (tech crew chair), Karen Bronson (costumes chair), Renata Allelujka and Cynthia Katz (props co-chairs), Carl Zeitler (publicity and social media), Toria Hollyn (intimacy coordinator), David Dowell (photography), Renata Allelujka and Debbie Roberts (hospitality), Maggie Fredricks (box office), Matt Hellyer (graphic design), Carl Zeitler (starboard and playbill copy), and Cynthia Katz and Sue Knisely (audition assistants).
Village Theatre Guild is located at 2S720 Park Blvd. near the northwest corner of Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn. Free parking is available.
"At the Wedding" contains adult themes, content, and language. It will be performed without an intermission.
Tickets are $25 and available at villagetheatreguild.com/2026-4 or by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230.
Season sponsorship provided by Leslie Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
Cast members shared their thoughts about what audiences might take away from this production.
"I think VTG audiences will come away feeling a mix of emotions after seeing a performance of this show, because one second you feel like you’re watching a comedy, and then the next you’re watching some of the hardest hitting scenes," Januska said.
"I think there are some really great themes in this play, specifically of love and loss, vulnerability, and retribution. I think there’s a lot of detail packed into a short run time, so I hope some audience members pick up the little nuances of the rich backstory these characters have," Adams added.