Village Theatre Guild opens its 60th season with 'Collected Stories'
Village Theatre Guild is opening its diamond anniversary 60th season with "Collected Stories" by Donald Margulies. The production explores the complicated relationship between two independent women as they struggle to define what, if anything, is off-limits in art.
"Collected Stories" is directed by Kevin Taylor (Orland Park) and produced by Karen Bronson (Oak Park). The cast features Susan Carr (Winfield) as Ruth Steiner and Kara Ludke (North Riverside) as Lisa Morrison.
The production runs for 12 performances from Oct. 20 until Nov. 11.
Taylor explained why this play stood out as he was deciding last spring which title from the theater's play reading list he wanted to submit to direct.
"I can tell right away if something speaks to me. I loved the stories. I adored these two women. When I said I was going to direct, I knew it was going to be something with strong, independent women and a good story."
In the play, graduate student Lisa Morrison is thrilled to be under the mentorship of her literary idol, Ruth Steiner. Over the years, Lisa becomes Ruth's personal assistant and gradually her friend.
But as Lisa's career begins to flourish and Ruth's begins to fade, can their friendship survive ambition, rivalry, and eventual betrayal?
Ludke is in her first production at Village Theatre Guild, and its reputation played a role in her coming to audition.
"It was the theater group. I was excited by the professionalism of this community theater. People here have been incredibly welcoming," Ludke said. "I think it was also the idea of a two-person show, but not only that -a two-woman show. That's a new challenge for me."
Carr, who has appeared several times previously on the Village Theatre Guild's stage, found the dimensions of Ruth appealing.
"As the play goes along, her vulnerabilities and quirks become more apparent. Because this is a two-person show, you really get to see the development of both characters," Carr said. "It's just really a portrait of a strong woman and a vulnerable woman."
Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 20 to Nov. 11. There are 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 4-5.
All performances take place on The Sue Keenan Stage, which was named for one of theater's founders who was an influential force for the theatre guild until she passed away in January 2021.
Keenan was a major reason that Taylor became involved with Village Theatre Guild 10 years ago, and he still feels the effects of her influence during this rehearsal process.
"There is a little tie-in to this play with Ruth being Lisa's mentor. Sue was my mentor here. She worked so hard over the decades to make this theatre what it was," Keenan said. "Sue was the reason I stayed here, but everyone here is the reason I continue to stay here. I love creating art with everyone. Everyone is so talented."
After the second Saturday night's performance of every production during the 60th season, Village Theatre Guild will host an anniversary reception for the audience.
There will be appetizers, beverages, and discussion of the theater's history with the cast, crew, and members in attendance. A reception for "Collected Stories" will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Bronson thinks audiences will take away something after every performance.
"A really good play with a really good message," she said. "It is about things that are not black or white. People do things for different reasons and they're not wrong reasons. I think if people think about what they just saw, then we will have accomplished something."
Tickets are available at villagetheatreguild.com/productions or by calling the box office at (630) 469-8230.
Tickets are $22 (plus $3 service fee). 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.
"Collected Stories" kicks off Village Theatre Guild's sixth decade and they look forward to collecting many more stories during the next 60 years.