"Quartet" Opening at Wheaton Drama

These are question addressed by the talented cast and crew of Wheaton Drama’s upcoming production of “Quartet”. Director Toria Hollyn, assisted by Jessica Scobey, has assembled an ensemble cast of four: Michael Albrow (Naperville), Ken Ball (Woodridge), Joan Morrissey (Wheaton), and Annie Walker-Bright (Wheaton).

In a recent interview, Hollyn reflected on her own attraction to the piece. “My mother--a professional classical singer--was preparing her resignation letter from her 40-year performance career. As a musician and the daughter of a musician, the characters were ones I knew, yet they spoke to the universal themes of aging and maintaining relevance and an active life after a career has ended and the body and brain start to pose new challenges.”

She has been working with her cast to bring to life a realistic, touching portrayal of stories that could happen for anyone. Of her veteran actors, Hollyn states, “They have been a delight to work with, exploring that fine balance of the weightier moments of illness, loss, and death with maintaining the high-spirits and resilience of four very strong and independent personalities who relearn to live and perform together. With this piece, I hope to fully express my belief that music sings to the soul and allows the soul to sing.”

Quartet runs March 18th through April 3rd. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows begin at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 3:00 p.m. All performances will take place at Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111, located at 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. For tickets, call 630-260-1820 or visit www.wheatondrama.org.