Grove Players put on 'Too Much, Too Much, Too Many' Feb. 16-25

"Just right" is the likely verdict of audience members seeing Grove Players' production of "Too Much, Too Much, Too Many," which opens at Lincoln Center Auditorium in Downers Grove on Friday, Feb. 16.

"Too much and too many what?" is a question the title naturally raises and to which audience members will be seeking answers. Thankfully, playwright Meghan Kennedy, who wrote the work in 2013, satisfies the curiosity she stirs, answering that question in a more than satisfactory way, helped by audience members listening carefully to the dialogue.

The themes of this play are both compelling and universal. They include the ways in which people deal with a loved one's decline, both physical and mental, prior to death, and then cope with grief following the loved one's death, as well as ways in which people find the courage to open themselves to experiencing new friendships and possibly even romance.

For audience members who may get too caught up in these themes to catch the revelatory bit of dialogue that explains the play's title, a little heads-up concerning it might be appreciated.

Simply, the title's significance is revealed when Rose, whose husband James has died, mentions that she was often told by him that she had "too much" beauty for the night, and "too much" beauty for the lake where they rowed and swam. She also, he frequently said, outshone "too many" of the stars in the evening sky. This hyperbolic phrasing is meant to convey the depth of their attachment, and help explain Rose's difficulty in recovering from James's death.

Rose grieves in the confines of her bedroom, from which she hasn't emerged in many months. Her daughter, Emma, grieves not only for the loss of her father, but for that of her mother, as well, since Rose has locked herself away, physically hiding from life and the outside world. In some respects, both women lost James even before his physical death occurred, since he suffered from Alzheimer's.

The dynamics between the two women and between them and the world beyond their home shift when Pastor Hidge, new to their church, begins to visit. He, in turn, is affected by his interactions with Rose and Emma, all of which, in different ways, result in a degree of healing.

The New York Times review from 2013 describes the work as "subdued but affecting," moving "fluidly between scenes set in the present and the near past." The present changes when Pastor Hidge succeeds, among other things, in getting Rose to talk to him through her closed door.

Meanwhile, Emma spends a great deal of time in the kitchen, where her father frequently "visits" her, replaying some of their recent past, as he reveals details of what he went through in life as his mind faltered and his personality changed.

Especially passionate about the play is cast member Kerri Mummert, who has overseen arrangements to have Alzheimers and grief consultants on-site after performances. The less-than-average length of the work (no intermission) allows for post-performance interaction between the audience, cast members, and Jackie Raschke and Michael Gonzalez of "Home Helpers," a caregiving service with much experience in Alzheimer's, dementia, and end-of-life situations. These two Home Helpers representatives, who will take turns leading the after-show discussions, have impressive backgrounds in these areas.

As for impressive backgrounds, Director Marilyn Ludwig could boast of her own if so inclined. A 46-year resident of Downers Grove, she joined Grove Players in 2004 when she was cast in "Harvey." "Too Much, Too Much, Too Many" is her fourth directorial stint for Grove Players. She has previously directed "Over the Tavern," "More Fun Than Bowling," and "The Dining Room." She also has served on the Grove Players Board, produced many plays, and helped on several crews. In addition, Ludwig has, since 1978, taught theater in School District 58 and in her role as artistic director of Tree House Summer Theater, which she founded. She is also the author of seven novels.

Ludwig is very pleased with the talent of her actors, a cast of four. Madeleine Borth of Wheaton portrays Rose, the grieving widow. This is her first appearance with Grove Players. Tim Bruns, a resident of Harwood Heights, enacts the role of Pastor Hidge, and is also making his Grove Players debut. Kerri Mummert of La Grange, previously mentioned, plays Rose's daughter Emma. She was last seen on the Grove Players stage in "The Rabbit Hole."

Michael Pemberton, a Downers Grove native, appears as the deceased husband/father, James. Pemberton is a longtime member of Grove Players who was last seen in the group's production of "Other People's Money." His offstage roles with the company are as the company accountant and box office manager.

Other key personnel include Assistant Director Elaine Albright of Aurora. She has been a Grove Players member for fifty-two years, during which she has done almost every theater-related "job" from starring in lead roles in musicals to working on lighting, costuming, and hospitality. Producer Rusty Steiger of Lemont has appeared both onstage, most recently as the emcee in "Cabaret," and also backstage, having produced many shows over the last several years. Stage Manager Sally Cassaro of Plainfield has stage-managed six productions for Grove Players prior to this show.

This play is a wonderful blend of important, relatable themes, engaging characters both vulnerable and brave, and scenes both sparse yet rich. It is even spiced with a fair amount of humor. In addition to all that, its presentation, with a fantastic cast and rare opportunity to have interaction with them and grief/Alzheimer counselors afterward, all give audiences "too many" good reasons to not miss it!

The show opens Friday, Feb. 16, for two weekends, through Sunday, Feb. 25, at Lincoln Center auditorium, 935 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., while Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18 or $15 for students and seniors. They may be purchased in person at the theater on performance nights, at Lincoln Center during weekdays, or at Evelyn Jane Boutique, 1008 Curtiss St. in downtown Downers Grove.

Tickets also can be purchased at the box office, (630) 415-3682, or online www.groveplayers.org.