Recommended
—And it is fun for all from young kids to their parents and grands. Because Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences pulls from their regular list of actors for the children’s shows, audiences can expect top notch acting and singing.
“Arthur & Friends Make A Musical,” a new adaptation using the characters from books and TV, basically is built around the theme of “be true to yourself” rather than adopt a personality you think will either be more interesting to others or win a competition. The vehicle used here, explained in the title, is for Arthur’s class to make and perform a musical show.
Older youngsters, say, third or fourth graders in the audience, will probably understand that theme but the little kids who sat near me were simply enjoying the music and wanted to dance to the upbeat songs.
That’s OK. Because they are exposed to Theater.
Directed and choreographed by Tommy Rivera-Vega with musical direction by Otto Vogel, “Arthur,”as with other Marriott Children’s shows, is timed to appeal to young audiences. The performance is an hour followed by a Q and A with the cast that should pull in the middle graders.
The cast: Arthur is played by Winter Olamina. Other characters are Joryhebel Ginorio as “DW,” Garrett Lutz as “Buster,” Danielle A. Davis as “Francine” & “Mom,” Arwen-Vira Marsh as “Muffy,” Andrés Enriquez as “Brain” & “Dad,” and Ron King as “Mr. Ratburn.” Also a shout out to Nicholas Hartman for Costume Design which helps connect the young audience to the characters.
The show is based on “Arthur™” created by Marc Brown with book and lyrics by John Maclay, music and lyrics by Brett Ryback. The original production was developed and presented in 2022 by First Stage, Jeff Frank, Artistic Director.
Details: ‘Arthur & Friends Make A Musical” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, now through Aug. 10, 2025. Most shows are at 10 a.m. with some at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday with an ASL interpreted show Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. For tickets and more information visit www.marriotttheatre.com
Jodie Jacobs