Village Theatre Guild examines the life and relationships of a 'Nice Girl'
Village Theatre Guild in Glen Ellyn delves into the tragedy and joy of figuring out who you are and letting go of who you were supposed to be with "Nice Girl" by Melissa Ross.
Josephine Rosen is stuck. It's 1984 in suburban Boston and Jo is 37, single, a secretary, and still living with her mother. This is not the life she imagined for herself.
A chance encounter with an attractive former schoolmate and a new friendship with a brash, fun-loving co-worker just might provide the momentum she needs to make a change.
But needless to say, life is full of curveballs.
The production is directed by Cynthia Katz (Naperville) and produced by Renata Allelujka (Downers Grove).
The cast features Tina Shelley (Brookfield), Doreen Dawson (Geneva), Jennifer Torchia (Lombard), and KC Driscoll (La Grange Park).
"Audiences will greatly enjoy entering the world of these very relatable characters. They will laugh and cry with them as they experience their challenges and triumphs. Finally, they will be uplifted by the hope inspired by their journeys," Katz explained.
"Nice Girl" opens on Feb. 25 and runs for four weekends until March 19.
Tickets are currently on sale for the 12 performances of Village Theatre Guild's second production of its 58th season.
Torchia plays Sherry, who develops a friendship with Josephine throughout the play. She was enthusiastic about being cast in this production.
"The script is just incredible. I had no plans to be on stage during these challenging times, but on a whim I read the script and was instantly hooked. I fell in love with each of the characters, especially Sherry. And as luck would have it, here I am," she exclaimed.
Dawson also targeted "Nice Girl" as a show that definitely merited an audition. She noted its substance as the primary reason why.
"I love plays that explore family relationships. Family dynamics are always fraught with emotions, and can also be quite humorous from the outside looking in. We can learn so much from observing how other families relate to each other, no matter how healthy or unhealthy those situations might be," she explained.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 25-26, March 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19. There are matinees at 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 27, March 6 and 13. There is also a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on March 12. This production contains adult language.
Driscoll is making his VTG debut in "Nice Girl."
"I did another show with Renata who spoke highly of VTG, so she got me interested in joining the theater and becoming involved. The script had really interesting characters. People looking for a compelling drama with comedic undertones about family, friendship, and love with strong female characters and 1980s fashion will not be disappointed," he said.
Tickets are available at villagetheatreguild.com/productions or by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230. Tickets are $22 (all fees included).
Village Theatre Guild is located at 2S720 Park Blvd. (near the northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard) in Glen Ellyn. Free parking is available.
The Village Theatre Guild has joined a growing coalition of performing arts venues across the Chicago area and has adopted proof of COVID-19 vaccination (or proof of a negative COVID-19 test) and mask requirements for audiences and members.
Visit www.villagetheatreguild.org for more information.
‘Nice Girl’
What: Village Guild Theatre production of “Nice Guild”
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 25-26, March 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19. Matinees at 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 27 to March 13, and Saturday, March 12. This production contains adult language.
Where: 2S720 Park Blvd. (near the northwest corner of Butterfield Road and Park Boulevard) in Glen Ellyn. Free parking is available.
Cost: $22 (all fees included)
Tickets:
villagetheatreguild.com/productions or by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230.