Village Theatre presenting 'Rabbit Hole'

When Anita Vigilante first read the premise for Glen Ellyn Village Theatre Guild's first production of the new calendar year, "Rabbit Hole," she wanted to turn and run.

The play centers on the family of a woman who has lost her 4-year-old son to an accidental death. As the story unfolds, though, the family is portrayed as a normal group that just happens to have that tragedy as part of their lives.

The David Lindsay-Abaire script even manages to throw humor into the mix, which is something that convinced Vigilante to participate.

"As I was reading it, I was laughing just as much as I was crying," said Vigilante, who plays the lead role of Becca Corbett. "David Lindsay-Abaire has a gift for humor beyond anything I've ever read before."

Performances start at 8 p.m. today and continue with Friday through Sunday performances until Feb. 6 at the black box-style theater at 3S020 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

The play starts about eight months after Corbett's boy chases a squirrel into the street only to be hit by a car.

"The thing I found very intriguing is the emotional roller coaster," Vigilante said. "It's just thrilling. You laugh when you least expect it and cry when you think you might or might not."

Vigilante began her time at the theater in 2002. She said she always wanted to join the group but waited until her children were old enough.

The theater's small size can be intimidating, but she says she's getting used to it.

Veteran director Bill Burghardt, who has directed about a dozen plays for the guild and been involved with the theater since 1978, said the size adds to the intensity of the performances.

He called "Rabbit Hole" a "perfect piece of literature," because it mixes humor with a deep emotional plot.

"That's what drew (the play) to me; the skillfulness of the piece, how he wrote it," said Burghardt, who teaches theater and English at Naperville North High School. "The characters all have their moments of humor."

If you go What: "Rabbit Hole"Who: Glen Ellyn Village Theatre GuildWhen: 8 p.m. Jan. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, Feb. 5 and 6; 3 p.m. Jan. 17, 24 and 31Where: Village Theatre, 3S020 Park Blvd., Glen EllynCost: $18Info: (630) 469-8230 or www.villagetheatreguild.org.