Village Theatre Guild kicks off 2019 with thought-provoking 'Marjorie Prime'
Village Theatre Guild of Glen Ellyn presents their upcoming winter production "Marjorie Prime" by Jordan Harrison.
This fascinating work of science fiction takes place in the not-too-distant future. The members of one family are facing critical turning points in their lives. Each of them is forced to confront some profound questions about their humanity. How does the fluidity of memory inform and determine their identity? How does the increasing pervasiveness of technology affect them and their connections with each other? And what precisely is it that makes them human? This highly thought-provoking play is a deeply human story about our relationship with technology. It will remain with you long after you leave thetheater.
"Marjorie Prime" is directed by Cynthia Katz and produced by Renata Allelujka. The cast features Jamie Ewing, Angelee Johns, Mary Kuhn, and Guy Sullivan.Katz and members of the cast recently spoke about what makes this production unique.
"I was intrigued by this play for several reasons.To begin with, it's different from any other play I've directed.When I first read the script, it was a page turner-I couldn't put it down.It's so well written; very spare, deceptively simple,but very deep," Katz said.
Ewing spoke about the character he portrays. "I think Walter is one of the most unique roles I've read in a play. One of the given challenges of acting is to make every performance seem fresh and new, as if your character is discovering and experiencing things for the first time. Walter is experiencing experiences for the first time - so, challenge extended! he said.
Kuhn also faced challenges in bringing her character to life. "Tess is a fairly complicated individual. It has been quite a process trying to figure her out. Tess evolves quite a bit throughout the play. I compare it to peeling an onion. Peeling away each layer until you come to its core. It has been a challenge that I have greatly enjoyed," she said
Katz and the cast have been delving deeply into the material. "In my collaboration with the actors during the rehearsal process, we are constantly making new discoveries about the meaning behind the story line of the play.The characters are real and well-drawn. On the surface, this is a family drama, but there are many layers to it.The actors are passionate about the play.It's a joy to watch them grow and explore the depths of the characters, their relationships to each other, and the world they're living in."
Sullivan predicted that audiences who attend this production will walk away with things to ponder. "I feel they will leave thinking about the aging process and the relationship struggles; how future advancements in technology will continue to affect those relationships and how we connect with each other," he said.
Johns reflected on what the play means to her. "Marjorie and her story are driving home to me the reality that we all have a finite amount of time and it's vital for each of us to make use of that time by being fully present in it even when it's difficult, especially when it's difficult, or when we just don't know how. What we choose to do or say, or not do or say, affects not just us, but everyone around us," she said.
"Marjorie Prime" will run for four weekends from Friday, Jan. 18 until Saturday, Feb. 9. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m.
There are additional matinee performances at 3 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 2 and 9.
Tickets are now on sale. All tickets are $19.99 and can be ordered online at www.villagetheatreguild.org. Free parking is available at Village Theatre Guild, which is located near the northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard in Glen Ellyn.