Marriott Theatre – Chicago Theater and Arts

White Christmas soothes the soul

Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes and Tyler Johnson-Campion as Phil Davis pair well as dancing partners in Marriott Theatre’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Three Stars

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” an old fashioned song and dance musical, seemed just the right antidote opening night following the more than a month of high pitched and sometimes contentious presidential and legislative campaigns.

Songs such as “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas” lifted the spirits. The costumes designed by Sally Dolembo were integral to the show and beautifully enhanced the spare scenic design.

Perhaps you have seen the 1954 movie with Bing Crosby or the show performed before now but if not you should know that it revolves around the entertainment scene and a post WWII general who now has a Vermont ski vacation. It originally was written for a 1942 film called Holiday Inn.

Tyler Johnson-Campion is outstanding as Phil Davis, the dancing half of a popular song and dance pair with Bob Wallace as the songster. It’s just hard to believe that Johnson-Campion, a very talented actor/dancer from Disneys “Aladdin” is just now making his Marriott Theatre debut.

Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes is a good romantic dance partner of Phil Davis. She is also have of the Haynes Sisters that also features Jaquelyne Jones as Betty. Felthous has appeared in Marriott’s “Music Man” and GoodmanTheatre in Roxie Hart in Chicago.

Also shout outs to Robin R McGee who as inn keeper Martha Watson, is also making her Marriott debut. and Olivia Grace O’Sullivan, the General’s granddaughter from the International and Marriott’s run of “The sound of Music.” Both actors are really enjoyable mainstays of this show.

Well directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato, artistic director of Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County Wi, she previously choreographed Marriott’s “Into the Woods.” Music Direction is by Brad Haak. Music and lyrics are by Irving Berlin with book by David Ives and Paul Blake”

On a sad note:This production is dedicated to former Executive Producer Kary M. Walker (1944-2024). I remember him fondly.

Details: “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, IL now through Dec 29, 2024. For tickets and more information visit Marriotttheatre/ irving-berlins-white-christmas

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre In Chicago

Uncovering the Declaration of Independence

The scene is Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The players are the Founding Fathers of the United States of America who debated then actually unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. If that signing sounds easy or like a foregone conclusion, think again.

The musical “1776,” with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, is a time-travel journey back to colonial Philadelphia when statesman/attorney John Adams led the movement to have and sign a Declaration of Independence.

Premiering on Broadway in 1969 and winning three Tony Awards, “1776” is reprised at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, August 21 (pre-shows) opening August 28 and running through October 13, 2024.

To get a glimpse at what to expect we did a short phone interview with its Marriott director, Nick Bowling, founding Artistic Director of TimeLine Theatre Company and a frequent Marriott Theater director.

In Marriott’s press release, you mentioned “the feeling in the room” which reminded of Lin Manuel’s song in Hamilton about where the action took place. Can you expand on that?

“Yes, the room where it happened. I was recently there – at Independence Hall. It’s a small room. It’s supposed to be done like it was back then. But in the show, it’s done more in the spirit of the way it was,” said Bowling.

“Weve added voices to that room and the casting is more diverse than what there was. It reflects modern thinking. But you see the chamber. And you hear the issues – States Rights, Federal Rights, Civil Rights,” he said.

2.What in the show do you think will surprise people?

“The issues discussed were the beginning of the issues that would reverberate through the history of our country,” said Bowling.

3. I think I remember (from a previous show) that Southern slave holding delegates were reacting differently to the democratic ideas put forth by other delegates and that mattered as to getting them to sign the Declaration.

“Northern delegates were also slave owners. The delegates all agreed to not consider slavery as an issue in the Declaration of Independence.” he said.

“What you learn is about the characters who played a role,” Bowling added.

He pointed out that the characters were not necessarily the way history generally portrayed them. “They were people. There were brilliant minds on both sides.”

4. I know the show had a couple of national tours but I wonder do you think this show would be applauded the same way in the deep South today as when it first came out in the 60’s.

“Yes. It would aloso play well in the South. It is funny and romantic. John Adams is the main character. But he is difficult, and slavery is a bargaining point,” Bowling said.

“You have different points of view – conservative and liberal. It reflects the culture of the time and when it opened in the 1960s it still spoke to us then and today,” he said.

“It’s about compromise. It’s about the signing of the Declaration of independence. It’s about Democracy. We see what each person, each group, is willing to give up.”

For show tickets and more information visit Marriott Theatre.

Jodie Jacobs

The Music Man delivers on his promise

Harold Hill (KJ Hippensteel) and Marian (Alexandra Silber)

Highly Recommended

You may think you know Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man.”

But it doesn’t matter how often you have seen this “feel-good” family show. Each time you go, you are likely to take away something different, something more than recognizing its popular, fun “Seventy-Six Trombones.”

It might be a song that you didn’t know was from the show such as “Till there was You” or “Goodnight My Someone” or “Lida Rose.”

For this reviewer, it was the “book ban” political philosophy mentioned by Marian Paroo, the River City librarian, beautifully portrayed by Alexandra Silber.

Harold Hill (Left center) Looks up and admires Marian (center) who talks and sings about books while a library patron (far left) watches.

It shouldn’t have been a surprise given that an important theme is how the town changes once Professor Harold Hill arrives.

Played by the highly talented KJ Hippensteel as the fast talking, glib salesman, we watch Hill evolve while the town he had planned to scam, changes as he falls in love with its librarian.

The leads, KJ Hippensteel and Alexandra Silber are excellent but so is the entire cast.

Kudos particularly go to Kai Edgar who is terrific as the young Winthrop Paroo, Marian’s little brother who suffers from a lisp and is painfully shy until Hill reaches him with a musical instrument. And to Janet Ulrich Brooks who returns to Marriott as Marian’s mother after doing “Beautiful – the Carole King Musical” and “The Cherry Orchard at Goodman Theatre.

Most of all, audiences will be treated to the outstanding choreography of director/choreographer Katie Spelman. Yes, the accompanying cast may have partially been chosen by their dance ability, but all their movements across the stage and interactions with others are innovatively thought out to express the town and characters personalities.

So, sit back and enjoy or clap in time to “Seventy-Six Trombones” as “The Music Man” enhances your evening.

Details: “The Music Man” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Mariott Drive, Lincolnshire, now through June 2, 2024. Run time: 2 hrs., 40 minutes with one intermission. For more information and tickets visit Marriott Theatre.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

‘James and the Giant Peach’ is a sweet treat at Marriott Theatre

Cast of “James and the Giant Peach” at Marriott Theatre. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Recommended

Introducing young theatregoers to the delights of musical storytelling leaps off the page of the famous Roald Dahl novel at the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences in Lincolnshire.

“James and the Giant Peach” is the perfect way to introduce young theatergoers to enjoying live musical theatre. The hour-long performance is suited for audiences of all ages as they watch the fantastical musical come to life.

In traditional Roald Dahl fashion, James is an orphan forced to live with his two screechy aunts who are anything but nice to him. When he is sent to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that turns an ordinary peach tree into a gigantic peach.

All of a sudden, he finds himself among a group of larger-than-life insects who quickly become the family he is missing. They go on adventures in the ocean ending up at the Empire State Building in New York City. Along the way they learn that they must work together to survive.

Humor, music, and comedic antics weave their way through this wonderful performance. The music by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen) is catchy and fun.

Starring is the always wonderful Alex Goodrich as Ladahlord. Lucy Godinez as Aunt Sponge and Leah Morrow as Aunt Spiker are hysterical with quirky costumes to match. The young James is played by the talented Kai Edgar.

The show is directed and choreographed by Tommy Rapley with music direction by Ryan T. Nelson. Kudos to costume designer Amanda Vander Byl for her amazing insect and character costumes. They are colorful and fun.

Each performance is followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast.  The show plays most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 am with select 12:30 pm performances and plenty of Spring Break performances.

Also currently playing at the Marriott is Lin Manuel’s “In the Heights” now through March 17, 2024. Next up is The Music Man opening April 10.

“James and the Giant Peach” is the perfect way to introduce young theatergoers to enjoying live musical theatre.

Details:” James and the Giant Peach” runs through March 30 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire. For tickets, call Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit  www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

‘Heights brings hip hop and rap to Marriott Theatre

The cast of “In the Heights” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

The cast of “In the Heights” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Recommended

With “In the Heights” Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire takes on Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics) and Quiara Alegria Hudes (book) musical that is arguably very different from the longtime traditional shows presented there.

And audiences know that immediately when a street artist Graffiti Pete (Phillip Wood) opens the show by spray painting an awning outside a neighborhood store and performs hip-hop style.

The musical goes on to tell about a distraught, mostly Domincan Latino community in Upper Manhattan’s NYC’s Washington Heights neighborhood that s worried about family, work, rent and changing times.

It centers on Usnavi (Joseph Morales) who runs the community’s bodega (small grocery/convenience store) inherited from his parents.

But it also deals with problems of love, parental approval and making it outside the community’s cultural boundaries.

If you go: Don’t expect “West Side Story” style songs and dances. “In the Heights” pulses to a very different beat. Think “Hamilton” which Miranda wrote and uses different rhythms.

“In the Heights” is at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, through March 17u, 2024.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Beautiful tells how King classics came to be

(Kaitlyn Davis as Carole King in “Beautiful” at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire)

3 1/2 Stars

The audience at the Wednesday Marriott opening of “Beautiful: the Carole King Musical,” are likely familiar with such classic songs as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “So Far Away,” “Up on the Roof,” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”

But I wonder if they know that the person who wrote them started out as a teenage songwriting phenom who had skipped two grades in school and whose mom wanted her to continue her classical piano studies.

Or that she started out as a pop composer whose first husband, Gerry Gofin, did the lyrics while she wrote the music.

Or that the grand piano on stage at the show’s start would actually reappear at the show’s end in Carnegie Hall.

With terrific dance and song examples, “Beautiful’s” long Act I showed how the music of the King-Gofin partnership was picked up and performed by well-known groups.

(“Beautiful” at Marriott shows how major performers adopted the King-Gofin songs)

The shorter Act II is about that partnership’s on-off crises and split up that led King to going it alone and her concert at Carnegie Hall. The show could have an Act III about all her awards, more partnerships and more songs plus her award-winning “Tapestry” album.

However, King’s “Beautiful” journey as performed at the Marriott Theatre is in the wonderful, over-the-top hands of Kaitlyn Davis from the national tour of “Beautiful.” BTW, Davis is also an accomplished pianist and songwriter.

Her co-star, Andrew Mueller, who is the brother of the Mueller sisters who performed “Beautifu”l on Broadway and the national tour, has impressive credits in Chicago area theater. He does an excellent portrayal of Gofin.

(Song-writing rivals and friends, Cynthis Weil (Erica Stephan) and Barry Mann, (Justin Albinde) )

A good picture of the song business is the delightfully done inclusion of couple Cynthis Weil portrayed by Erica Stephan, and Barry Mann, played by Justin Albinder.

Well directed by Jessica Fisch, “Beautiful” is basically a “jukebox” show that will bring back lots of musical memories.

“Beautiful: the Carole King Musical” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Il now through Dec. 31, 2023.

For tickets and more information visit Beautiful/MarriottTheatre

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Everything is coming up roses for Gypsy

3 Stars

Lauren Maria Medina as Louise (Photos by Liz Lauren).

A musical fable comes to life at the Marriott’s fine production of GYPSY. Its all-star cast showcases the tale of the ultimate stage mother, Rose, who fights for her daughters’ successes while really wanting her own moment in the spotlight.

Opening on Broadway in 1959, Arthur Laurents’ GYPSY was nominated for eight Tony awards and has been a beloved classic for generations.

Taking her daughters across the country in search of that next big gig in the waning days of vaudeville, Rose continually dreams of seeing daughter June’s name in lights. A three-times divorced mamma, nothing will get in Rose’s way, not even a new suitor by the name of Herb, who is kind and loyal.

Make no mistake, this is a woman’s show, empowering and emotionally problematic.

When June tires of the act and runs off to get married, Rose channels her interest in her other daughter, Louise, to make her a star.

The musical features Broadway star Lucia Spina as Rose whose loud, brassy, and booming voice perfectly captures the pushy stage mother. She belts out every song, reminiscent of Ethel Merman who played Rose on Broadway.

Lucky for the audience, a warm welcome back to the Marriott stage is given to the Jefferson award-winning Nathaniel Stampley as suitor Herbie who is charming and authentic. But having seen Stampley in other Marriot roles like “Man of La Mancha” and “Ragtime,” his amazing talent seems somewhat wasted.

Nathaniel Stampley (Herbie) and Lucia Spina (Rose )

The audience watches as Lauren Maria Medina who plays Louise is transformed from a mousy little girl into a confident, successful burlesque superstar, the legendary Gypsy Rose Lee. Her voice is powerful and strong.

With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the show boasts a memorable score including: “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” and “Together Wherever We Go.”

Kudos to J’Kobe Wallace who plays Tulsa and an ensemble member for his outstanding dancing that took the house down.

The Marriott production will likely feel different from other GYPSYs because director Amanda Dehnert working with choreographer Stephanie Klemons and music director Jeff Award Winner Ryan T. Nelson emphasized its emotional toll and darker side.

On a different note: Fans of Nathaniel Stampley will be happy to know he takes the stage in an intimate evening of solo songs and stories for one night only, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. In Songs & Stories: Nathaniel Stampley in Concert, Mr. Stampley traces his career from Milwaukee to Chicago, Broadway, London and beyond.

DETAILS: GYPSY is at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL through October 23, 2023. Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and other information, visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call the Marriott Theatre Box Office: (847) 634-0200.

Myra Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Marriott show hits it out of the ballpark

Daniella Dalli and Ron E. Rains as Meg and Joe Boyde in Damn Yankees at Marriott Theatre (Photos by Liz Lauren)

Highly Recommended

The choreography and dancers in Marriott Theatre’s “Damn Yankees” were so amazing opening night (April 19, 2023) I could have sworn that Rachel Rockwell, an extraordinary director and choreographer who died in 2018, had somehow returned.

Instead, we are now lucky to have Broadway and TV choreographer/actor/dancer Tyler Hanes and film/ theater/actor/director James Vasquez taking on a Marriott production.

In their hands, “Damn Yankees,” a musical comedy from 1955, still connects with baseball fans who love their team and hate the umpires’ calls. It also brings to life the dreamers who want a chance to hit it out of the ballpark.

With a clever book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop and memorable music and lyrics (You’ve gotta have “Heart”) by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the show’s timing is so right for baseball’s spring season when anything can happen including the Chicago Cubs’ winning streak as of opening night.

Sean Fortunato. as Applegate in Damn Yankees

And that true but improbable fact is without the help (we believe) of the show’s Faust-like character of Applegate played with perfection by long time TV, film, regional and Marriott actor Sean Fortunato.

He makes a deal with avid Washington Senators fan Joe Boyd, well portrayed by TV, Marriott and regional theater performer Ron E. Rains, to be transformed into the Senators’ savior.

Enter the new Boyd who is now young baseball phenom, Joe Hardy, brilliantly interpreted by Andrew Alstat, (Papermill, MUNY, et al), in his Marriott debut.

The kicker for Applegate and the connecting cord that makes Joe Hardy totally believable is love of Joe Boyd’s wife, Meg, played by Daniella Dalli.

Anyone who saw Marriott’s 2022 Jeff Award winning “The Sound of Music” will remember Dalli’s powerful voice as the Mother Abbess.

, Andrew Alstat as JJoe Hardy tries to back off from Lola played by Michelle Aravena. — ,Andrew Alstat as Joe Hardy tries to back off from Lola played by Michelle Aravena.

The other notable part is Lola as in the song, “Whatever Lola wants.” Brought on board by Applegate to diffuse Joe Hardy’s love for Meg, the plan backfires as Lola, played by Broadway and National Tour star Michelle Aravena, changes from sexy vamp to an understanding girl who has fallen for Hardy.

The production has a large (more than 20 members), experienced supporting cast that includes Porchlight Music Theater and Drury Lane Theatre regulars Lorenzo Rush, Jr as Van Buren, the team’s manager, and Erica Stephan as the persistent reporter, Gloria Thorpe.

The Washington Senators in Mariott theatre's Damn Yankees — The Washington Senators in Mariott Theatre’s Damn Yankees

It’s easy to get caught up in the action on stage. But audiences should pay attention to the really fine music produced by conductor/keyboardist Noah Landis and his orchestra.

In addition, costume designer Theresa Ham nailed the period and baseball uniforms.

Details: “Damn Yankees” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, now through June 4, 2023. Running time: about 2 hours, 15 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and other information visit Damn Yankees | Show (marriotttheatre.com) or call (847) 634-0200.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Catch Big Fish at Marriott Theatre

L-R Alexander Gemignani and Heidi Kettenring in Big Fish at Marriott Theatre (Liz Lauren photo)

3 Stars

The movie and other plays aside, having just seen Broadway actor Alexander Gemignani (Carousel, Les Miserable, Sweeny Todd) as Edward Bloom at Marriott Theatre, it is now arguably hard to see anyone else playing the pivotal character role in “Big Fish.”

In the hands of Director Henry Godinez, (Goodman Theatre’s Resident Artistic Associate), backed by a talented cast, Bloom’s seemingly fantastical journey through life is delightful. His character is likely to have audiences relating to dad jokes and dad’s experience stories.

But in the end the theme really is about father-son relationships. The audience is challenged to empathize with his son, Will Bloom, played by Michael Kurowski who appears uncomfortable in the role.

A shoutout has to go to Heidi Kettenring, a favorite Marriott and Chicago theater community actress/singer, who as Edward’s wife, Sandra, has no trouble understanding and appreciating him.

“Big Fish” is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel and the 2003 (in theaters early 2004) Columbia Motion Picture by John August directed by Tim Burton. The play’s book is by John August with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

Details: “Big Fish” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, IL now through March 19, 2023. Run time: 2 hours, 30 minutes with one intermission. For information and tickets visit Marriott Theatre.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Shows to see January and February this year

Photo courtesy of the North Shore Center for Performing Arts. — Northlight Theater is in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Many Chicago area theater companies operate on a fall through spring/early summer season so look for check January and February offerings to start 2023 with fun and fascinating entertainment.

” The Golden Girls” is opening at the Mercury Theatre, 1745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, this weekend. A new, original show, it has the fabulous girls we’ve come to know and love. The show runs Jan. 13 through Feb. 12, 2023. For tickets and info visit THE GOLDEN GALS LIVE! — Mercury Theater Chicago.

Among other interesting shows on the docket is MadKap Productions: “The Book of Merman” (That’s not a typo). It is coming to the Skokie Theatre 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, Feb. 3- 26, 2023. “The Book of Merman” starring Julie Peterson as Ethel Merman is about a visit by two Mormon missionaries. For tickets and more info call (847) 677-7761 or visit https://www.skokietheatre.org/.

And check out “Andy Warhol in Iran” at Northlight Theatre. The artist goes to Tehran to take photos of the Shah’s wife but learns more. The show runs Jan. 19-Feb. 19. Northlight is in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts at 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. For tickets and more information visit Northlight Theatre | Andy Warhol in Iran.

Another show to catch is “Big Fish” at Marriott Theater, Lincolnshire. A family-friendly musical adventure by John August and Andrew Lippa, previews start Jan. 25 with the run going from Feb.1 through March 19, 2023. Based on the film screenplay by August and novelist Daniel Wallace the story couples an adult and his childhood timeline with his relationship with his son, Will. For tickets visit Tickets.MarriottTheatre.com. For more information see MarriottTheatre.com.

Raven Theatre is doing the Chicago premiere of “Right To Be Forgotten”, by Sharyn Rothstein. Directed by Sarah Gitenstein, the story is a timely plot about human forgiveness in the age of the internet “Right to be forgotten runs Feb. 9 – March 26, 2023 in Raven’s 85-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago. For tickets and more information visit raventheatre.com or call (773) 338-2177.

Enjoy a new year of theater!

Jodie