Village Theatre Guild examines relationships between 'Mother and Sons'
Note: The VTG board of officers is closely monitoring the many developments surrounding the Corona virus (COVID-19). Our first priority is the safety of our members and patrons who are planning to attend upcoming meetings and/or performances. We have arranged for additional cleaning and disinfecting of the theatre before each performance and will also have hand sanitizer available to those who need it. (NOTE: Mothers and Sons is a one-act play with no intermission, which will minimize social interaction.) At this time, all VTG meetings and performances will be presented as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the situation and will contact you with any changes to the season's schedule.
Village Theatre Guild's third show of their 57th season is "Mothers and Sons" by Terrence McNally. The production, at turns funny and powerful, opens March 20. "Mothers and Sons" deals with a woman who unexpectedly visits the New York apartment of her late son's partner, who is now married to another man and has a young son.
The production is directed by Jackie Meara and produced by Rebecca Poole. The cast features Karen Bronson, Tony Lage, Kevin Taylor, and Cameron Taylor.
"When I first read the script for 'Mothers and Sons,' I was struck by how far back we have slipped in living a life full of love, kindness, and acceptance of all people. In 2014, the setting for the story, gay marriage was legal and adopting a child was met with celebration and joy, not scrutiny and scorn as it is now in 2020. The very fabric of this tenant is under constant threat amid an encouraged atmosphere of suspicion, hate, ignorance, and prejudice. That said, even in 2014, there were still challenges with some people who were unwilling to see all human beings under the same light and through the same lens. What 'Mothers and Sons' is trying to tell us, is that we are all one human family and life is too short to undercut that precious time with fear, shame, and regret," Meara explained.
"Mothers and Sons" opens on Friday, March 20, for a run of 12 performances through Saturday, April 11. The show performs Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. on March 20-21, 27-28, April 3-4, 10-11. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. on March 22, 29, April 5, 11.
Members of the cast have also felt the significance of this production during the rehearsal process.
"Everyone deals and processes loss/grief differently; there is no right or wrong way. But sometimes grief can cripple you. That's when attention should be paid," Bronson said.
"Everyone processes loss in different ways and loss can often be easier to cope with by opening up to others and allowing them to help you heal," Lage added.
"There are so many themes in 'Mothers and Sons' that will speak to people in different ways. Each person brings their own experiences to a play - whether it's as a director, an actor, or an audience member. When I first read the script, I was shaken by a few of Cal's revelations that his generation of gay men didn't expect to get married, let alone have children," Kevin Taylor said.
"Mothers and Sons" continues a dynamic 2019-20 season at Village Theatre Guild. "Becky's New Car" and "Any Given Monday" played to consistent full houses during their runs. Advance ticket reservations for this upcoming production are strong with over two weeks to go before "Mothers and Sons" opens. Interested patrons are highly encouraged to reserve tickets sooner than later. The opening night performance on March 20 is already sold out.
Tickets are available at villagetheatreguild.org or by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230.
Tickets are $19.99 (all fees included). Village Theatre Guild is located at 2S720 Park Blvd. (near NW corner of Butterfield Rd. and Park Blvd.) in Glen Ellyn. Free Parking is available.