Village Theatre Guild's new production opening May 19 asks what about 'The Children'

Posted May 16, 2023 11:00 pm

Submitted by Village Theatre Guild

Rose (played by Annie Slivinski, right), makes an unexpected visit to the cottage of her old friend and colleague, Hazel (Karen Bronson, left), after a major disaster hits the nuclear power plant where they once worked. Courtesy of David Dowell

The Village Theatre Guild is wrapping up its 2023 season by presenting the 2018 Tony Award nominee for Best Play, "The Children" by Lucy Kirkwood.

This quizzical, funny, mysterious and poignant piece focuses on three people whose lives have been dislodged by an accident at the nuclear power plant in a seaside town on the eastern shore of England.

It is a witty and endearing look at friendship also carries a powerful message. It challenges the audience to think about responsibility between generations, and restitution for wrongs.

Hazel (played by Karen Bronson, left), and her husband, Robin (Hilly Doyle) live in a cottage in a seaside town on the eastern shore of England. Village Guild Theatre's production of Lucy Kirkwood's "The Children" opens May 19. Courtesy of David Dowell

Two retired nuclear scientists Hazel and her husband, Robin, have been forced from their home to a modest cottage just outside the "exclusion zone" to avoid radiation exposure.

Robin tends their cows and Hazel practices yoga and gardening while trying to preserve a semblance of normal.

When their friend and former colleague, Rose unexpectedly shows up after 38 years, the reason for her visit is questionable. Is she here to rekindle their friendship or does she have some darker purpose? What is their responsibility to the next generation?

The cast features Karen Bronson as Hazel, Annie Slivinski as Rose, and Hilly Doyle as Robin.

The play is directed by Jody Vogel, produced by Maggie Fredricks and stage managed by Chris Fassett.

The show, which opens May 19, will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays with two shows on the closing day, June 10.

The cast, seated, from left, Annie Slivinski as Rose, Hilly Doyle as Robin, and Karen Bronson as Hazel, is joined by the crew of Village Theatre Guild's production of Lucy Kirkwood's "The Children." Courtesy of David Dowell

Village Theatre Guild is located near the northwest corner of Park Boulevard and Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn.

Tickets are $22 and can be reserved at villagetheatreguild.com/2022-4-the_children or by calling (630) 469-8230.

Follow facebook.com/VillageTheatreGuild.

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