Village Theatre Guild's dark comedy 'Marvin's Room' is a family affair in more ways than one
"Marvin's Room" by Scott McPherson is beloved for its mordant humor and unflinching wisdom. This dark comedy is a moving view of family and response to despair. It's about living and dying, but mostly about love. Village Theatre Guild's production will open Friday, Oct. 19, continuing to Nov. 10.
"This is not only a story about family - I have two mother-son pairs cast in the show!," says director, Debbie Ruzicka of Palatine.
"Julie Rodgers-Baker (Wheaton) is playing Lee, the estranged sister, and her son, Joey Baker, is playing Lee's troubled son, Hank. Katarina Creedon (Brookfield) is playing a dual role of Counselor/Retirement Home Director, while her son, Carroll Creedon, is playing Lee's bookish son, Charlie. They are all very good actors, and the real-life relationships are a bonus."
Ruzicka's husband, Dan, is also involved in the production as a co-producer.
Another interesting note for this production is that this is the second time that "Marvin's Room" has been produced by the Village Theatre Guild, now in its 56th year history.
One cast member in the current production, Holly Van Horn (Carol Stream) playing Aunt Ruth, was in the original production over 20 years ago as Bessie, the dutiful sister caring for her father, Marvin, and aunt.
The Village Theatre Guild is located in Glen Ellyn near the northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard.
Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 4 and 10.
All tickets are $20, available by calling (630) 469-8230, or by going online at www.villagetheatreguild.org.
This production also stars Jennifer Torchia of Lombard as Bessie, Rich Bucchi of Winfield as Dr. Wally, Bruce Worthel of North Aurora as Tom/Marvin. Jack T. Smith of Bloomingdale is stage managing, and Dianne Wawryziniak of Rolling Meadows is co-producer.
Village Theatre Guild has a reputation for high quality theater productions in their intimate theater that was formerly a one-room school house.