Village Theatre Guild Examines "Relationships in Progress"

Village Theatre Guild takes a look at how people encounter others and deal with a variety of relationships in their summer studio production of Relationships in Progress by Glen Ellyn resident Carl Zeitler.

Relationships in Progress is made up of six short plays portraying various people in relationships we all can relate to: first dates, co-workers, spouses, siblings, and friendship. Whether fun and light, serious and deep, or some combination of those, the characters deal with their relationships with one another as well as the world around them.

The cast includes Maureen Denhof, Debbi Dennison, Danny Glenn, Beth Goncher, Carolyn Larsen, Paul Moy, Debbie Roberts, Eric Scanlan, Lauren Scanlan, Dennis Stewart, Lauren Visser, and Zeitler.

Zeitler also directs the production and he was thankful for Village Theatre Guild providing him this opportunity to produce his play. "I always think it's excellent when a theatre company takes a chance on original work. As an audience member, I like to see new things. I appreciate them giving my play a venue. VTG has a very supportive and talented group of people over there. I couldn't ask for more."

Roberts, who has appeared in numerous productions at Village Theatre Guild, spoke about her experiences there. "The VTG space is very intimate. There is an energy that you get as an actor from having the audience so close to you. The people are special; they're like a second family," she said.

Lauren Scanlan appeared in VTG's production of Doubt and she also appreciates what it means to work with this group. "VTG is a great place to do theatre because of the people. Both the theatre members and audience members. Everyone is so supportive of each other and work hard for each and every production. The audience is great because they get the opportunity to really fuel an actor's performance. The intimate setting makes them part of the show. There is a special audience connection that can only only happen in small theaters. When I can see, hear, and feel the audience, it makes my performance better," she commented.

The production runs for 5 performances only: Friday August 12, Saturday August 13, Sunday August 14, Friday August 19, and Saturday August 20. Friday & Saturday performances begin at 8 PM and the Sunday matinee is at 3 PM.

Ticket reservations are currently available and only $10 per person. For reservations, call 630-469-8230.

Village Theatre Guild is located near the Northwest corner of Park Blvd and Butterfield Road at 2S720 Park Blvd in Glen Ellyn. The VTG website is available at www.villagetheatreguild.org

Zeitler talked about the scenes within Relationships in Progress. "I enjoyed the process of discovering these characters. In a short scene of ten minutes, you won't achieve total resolution, but neither does life. I hope to present engaging characters that people can relate to in some way. Perhaps the the audience will wonder what happens next to these characters. I would consider that a definite success."

Scanlan was excited to be part of this production. "I love this show because it spans many different types of relationships. Anyone that sees the show will be able to connect with one or more characters and will relate to the relationships and the way the characters interact together," she said.

Roberts also looked forward to being part of this cast. "It appeals to me because it is a wonderful thing to be able to support new writing and be the first actor to get the chance at a new character. I get the chance to work with some awesome people and that makes the process fun."

The six scenes, or parts, of the play represent comedic and dramatic moments among different relationships.

Part One: Four of a Kind Beats Two Pair

Two pairs of friends are hanging out a local sports bar on a weekday night. Each pair has an outgoing friend who tries to encourage the quieter friend to start dating again.

Part Two: Broken Serve

While their mother recovers from emergency heart surgery, a brother and sister try to cope with their estranged relationship.

Part Three: Wedded Bliss…or Not

A husband who is trying to watch a football game is interrupted by his wife who wants them to take a survey of their marriage that she found in a magazine.

Part Four: A Smattering of Perspective

Two people who recently had a first date are recounting the event, each from their own perspective, to friends on their phones.

Part Five: Ella’s Rainbow

Three friends try to cope, in their own way, with the passing of a mutual friend.

Part Six: The Elephant in the Room Never Forgets

An older married couple undergoes a form of marriage counseling and must discuss unresolved issues from their marriage.