Tony Award Winning 1776 On Stage at Marriott Theatre Through October 13, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Marriott Theatre Presents

  1776

Courage, Conviction, and the Birth of a Nation

With election season comes 1776, winner of multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical, previewing on Wednesday, August 21, opening on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30pm and running through October 13, 2024 at Marriott Theatre. Directed by Nick Bowling, (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music, Ragtime, Man of La Mancha; TimeLine: The History Boys and The Normal Heart; Porchlight Music Theatre: Sondheim on Sondheim; recipient of eight Jeff Awards for outstanding direction) with choreography by Tanji Harper and Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson, this musical celebrates the inception of the nation through the trials and tribulations of our founding fathers as they craft the Declaration of Independence.

Summer, 1776 - The nation is ready to declare independence...if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! Witness the forging of America as the likes of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson struggle, through courage and conviction, to lead the young nation to independence. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the people behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, charming, and often petty, determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this funny, insightful and compelling drama.

 “I’m not sure there’s a better show for this moment,” said director Nick Bowling. “Rather than rigidly replicating historical details of Independence Hall, we hope this production will capture the feeling in that room…the fragmented political landscape, the spiraling nature of debate, and the monumental task of upholding democracy - all the while, embracing the humor and wit which has made 1776 a favorite of so many people.”

1776 will star Tyrick Wiltez Jones as “John Adams” (Broadway/New York: Bat Out of Hell, Finian’s Rainbow, Hairspray; National: Miss Saigon, Seussical, Fosse, and Show Boat); Richard R. Henry as “Benjamin Franklin” (Marriott Theatre: Man of La Mancha; New York: Streets of New York, Drift, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Fiorello); and Erik Hellman as “Thomas Jefferson” (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music; Court: Proof (Jeff Nom.) and The Mystery of Irma Vep (Jeff Nom.); TV: “Chicago Fire”, "Mrs. America”, “Fargo”) with Katherine Thomas (Marriott Theatre: Ragtime and Darling Grenafine) as “Abigail Adams,” Alicia Kaori (Broadway: Sweeney Todd and The King & I) as “Martha Jefferson and Joseph Hewes,” Heidi Kettenring as “John Dickinson,” Matthew Hommel as “Edward Rutledge,” and Lucy Godinez as “Richard Henry Lee,” alongside Neala Barron, Jesse Bhamrah, Patrick Byrnes, Lillian Castillo, Danielle Davis, Teddy Gales, Joel Gelman, Dan Gold, Karl Hamilton, Ed Kross, Gabrielle Lott-Rogers, Michael Earvin Martin, Austin Nelson Jr., Mary Robin Roth, Nancy Voigts, and Jay Westbrook with understudies Kelli Harrington, Kavin Moore, Nathe Rowbotham, and Savannah Sinclair. 

The artistic team features Associate Director DeRon Williams, Scenic Designer Regina García, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Wig Designer Miguel Armstrong, Dramaturg Carol Ann Tan, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Props Designer Sally Zack, Intimacy Director Katie Johannigman, and Dialect Coach Sammi Grant, with Stage Manager Jessica Banaszak, Assistant Stage Manager Richard Strimer and Conductor Brad Haak.

1776 is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. 

Ticket prices start at $63 (excluding tax and fees). Call for dinner-theatre, student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations are strongly recommended, please ask about the Theatre Prix Fixe menu. 

Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

 

Marriott Theatre Kicks Off 2024 Season With Lin-Manuel Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS January 24 Through March 17, 2024

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar 

IN THE HEIGHTS

From the creator of Hamilton!  

A story of home, family, and finding where you belong.  

 

Peter Blair, Executive Producer  

Peter Marston Sullivan, Artistic Director  

 Presents  

IN THE HEIGHTS

I've met Lin-Manuel Miranda in person twice, at press events about a year apart. He's a genuinely nice guy and one crazy gifted writer and performer. How amazing is it that we're on earth in the same lifetime as this genius?! I've seen Hamilton four times, and I've seen In The Heights twice and each has been a thrill. I'll be out for Marriott's opening night too, so check back soon for my full review. Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we're huge fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda's work and can't wait to see Marriott Theatre's take on IN THE HEIGHTS.

Marriott Theatre kicks off its electrifying 2024 season with IN THE HEIGHTS, the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical from the creator of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes, directed by James Vásquez (Marriott Theatre: Damn Yankees; Old Globe: HAIR, The Rocky Horror Show; Goodspeed: Cabaret), and choreographed by William Carlos Angulo (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music; The MUNY: Legally Blonde; National Tour: May We All) with Music Direction by Jeff Award Winner Ryan T. Nelson. IN THE HEIGHTS explores three days in New York’s Washington Heights, a neighborhood on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which you leave behind. IN THE HEIGHTS previews January 24, opens Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30pm and runs through March 17, 2024. 

Washington Heights - a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Through struggles and triumphs, it also shows us that despite the challenges we face, we must hold onto our dreams and traditions as we strive towards a better future. It’s a reminder that even amid change, the human spirit and resilience can shine through.  

“IN THE HEIGHTS is about family - both chosen and not,” said director James Vásquez. “It zooms in on a neighborhood, maybe totally unlike our own, and celebrates the lives of this little community.  But by the end, we've been welcomed into that neighborhood - that family - and as theater does so beautifully, it brings us all together and leaves us all feeling a part of something special.” 

IN THE HEIGHTS will star Joseph Morales, who played in the First Broadway National Tour of In the Heights as Usnavi. He also performed as Hamilton in Hamilton with the Original Chicago Company/Original Philip Company. Co-stars include Paola V. Hernández as “Vanessa” (Marriott Theatre debut; Broadway at Music Circus, 20th Anniversary Tour: Rent); Addie Morales as “Nina” (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music; Drury Lane Theatre: Evita); Yasir Muhammad as “Benny” (Marriott Theatre: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream); Crissy Guerrero as “Abuela” (Marriott Theatre debut; La Mirada Theatre and Dallas Center: In the Heights); Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel as “Camilla” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Measure for Measure; Court Theatre: Fen, The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice and Electra; TV: “Fargo”, “Chicago Med”) and Rudy Martinez as “Kevin” (Oceanside Theatre: Man of La Mancha; The REV Theatre Co.: Anyone Can Whistle), with Jordan Arrendondo, Lillian Castillo, Andres J. DeLeon, Michelle Lauto, Wesley J. Barnes, Bryanna Ciera Colón, Carisa Gonzales, Natalia Nieves-Melchor, Justin Payton Nelson, Isa Ramirez, Alix Rhode, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Arik Vega and Phillip Wood. 

The artistic team features Scenic Designer Arnel Sancianco, Costume Designer Harri Horsley, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michel Daly, Props Designer Sally Zack, Conductor Noah Landis, Associate Choreographer Shani Talmor, Assistant Director Lorenzo Rush, Jr., Stage Manager Richard Strimer, Intimacy Director Katie Johannigman, Fight Choreographer Adrian Aguilar and Dialect Coach Cynthia Santos DeCure.  

IN THE HEIGHTS is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices start at $60 (excluding tax and handling fees). Call for student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations are strongly recommended. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information. 

REVIEW: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Marriott Theatre Through December 31, 2023

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Guest Review 

by D'Arcy Mies 

If you are already familiar with Carole King, then you already know this show is one not to miss.  And if, like me, you only thought you knew her music and life, then you are in for a real treat.  Either way, expect "Beautiful - The Carole King Musical" to be a joyful evening full-to-the-brim with comic and musical delight.

It is always fun to see how Marriot Theatre is going to dress their theatre in the round.  For this show, it's pretty simple, a piano takes center stage and the piano-key motif is repeated throughout, even as a backdrop to project images. The piano itself gets a clever bit of stage dressing, changing it's facade for different periods in King's life story. Charmingly, even the stage, a revolving rotunda, is painted to resemble a record album. 

The play opens with King's triumphant 1971 Carnegie Hall Concert, and flashes back to the beginning of her career, when a teenage Carole Klein begs her mother's permission to go down to Times Square and try to sell a song to producer Donnie Kirshner. Genie Klein is both a bitter divorcee and the queen of sarcastic humor and the scene is crackling with snappy one-liners. As the show goes on, we are regaled with some truly funny dialog and great comic timing from the cast. The audience is also treated to a whirlwind tour of some of the great pop hits of the 1960's, many produced by Kirshner, who, you guessed it, hires Carole on the spot. Carole becomes a songwriter and, with her writing partner/husband Gerry churns our many beloved tunes for hitmaker Kirshner over the years.  

As the play goes on, we are introduced to many of the characters in the spotlight and behind the scenes in this prolific time period. The songs are woven into the show in clever and fun ways, and the choregraphy and staging is great, too. 

I found myself bouncing in my seat, smiling with glee, and had to virtually restrain myself from singing along with hit single after hit single. Kaitlyn Davis sounds, to my ear, gratifyingly like Carole King, and the covers of these familiar songs are satisfying and spot on, they sound like the recordings we all know and love.

Of course, there are struggles in King's life, especially diificulties with her marriage, but this play doesn't wallow too long in sadness and instead brings us back to where the show began, with Carole King, a piano, and a "Beautiful" song. 

Highly Recommended 

★★★★ Four out of four stars -- D'Arcy Mies, ChiILMama.com

D'Arcy Mies is a Montessori teacher, mom, and long time theater lover who lives in Chicago burb, Franklin Park. She loves cosplay, book stores, and has a rescue dog once voted "Worst Dressed Sentient Being in the Known Universe".

Peter Blair, Executive Producer 

Peter Marston Sullivan, Artistic Director 

Presents

 

Celebrating the soundtrack of a generation!

The Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway mega-hit, which has thrilled audiences with the inspiring true story of one woman’s remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, closes out Marriott Theatre’s 2023 Season. 

Previewing Wednesday, November 1 at 7:30 pm, opening Wednesday, November 8 at 7:30 pm and closing December 31, 2023, this moving biographical musical will be directed by Jessica Fisch (Marriott Theatre debut! Drury Lane Theatre: Murder on the Orient Express; Writers Theatre: Athena; Northlight Theatre: Dear Jack Dear Louise), choreography by Christopher Windom (Marriott Theare debut! Film: RESPECT starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin; The Vineyard Theatre: Kid Victory) and musical direction by Jeff Award Winner Ryan T. Nelson.

Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman,” this crowd-pleasing international phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember, and a story you’ll never forget. The bio-musical follows King’s rise to stardom, from her time as part of a hit songwriting team with husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history with Tapestry. BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL takes you back to where it all began – and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.

“Growing up my parents only kept a handful of tapes in the car, one of which was Tapestry, the best-selling album of Carole King,” said director Jessica Fisch. “Simply put I can’t remember a time in my life when Carole King wasn’t singing to me. She is part of the soundtrack of my life and that is true for so many people. It is a dream come true to get to direct this first made-in-Chicago production.”

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL will star Kaitlyn Davis, who played the role in the First National Tour in 2015. Other National Tour credits include The Phantom of the Opera. 

Co-stars include Andrew Mueller as “Gerry Goffin” (Marriott Theatre: Man of La Mancha, For The Boys; Paramount Theatre: Rent); Erica Stephan as “Cynthia Weil” (Marriott Theatre: Damn Yankees; Porchlight Theatre: Cabaret); Justin Albinder as “Barry” (National Tour & New World Stages: Jersey Boys); Janet Ulrich Brooks as “Genie Klein” (Goodman Theatre: The Cherry Orchard; Drury Lane Theatre: Steel Magnolias); and Lawrence Grimm as “Don Kirshner” (Goodman Theatre: 2666; Timeline Theatre: My Name is Asher Lev); with Melanie Brezill, Christian Denzel Bufford, Caron Buinis, Ariana Burks, Dan Gold, Daryn Whitney Harrell, Kayla Kennedy, Adam LaSalle, Naiqui Macabroad, Michael E. Martin, Spencer Davis Milford, Yasir Muhammad, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Alexis J Roston, Maya Rowe, Aisha Sougou, and Alina Taber.

The artistic team features Scenic Designer Andrew Boyce, Costume Designer Sully Ratke, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Media Designer Anthony Churchill, Props Designer Sally Zack, Production Manager Meg Love, Assistant Director Nora Geffen, Stage Manager Jessica Banaszak, Assistant Stage Manager Richard Strimer, Intimacy Choreographer Katie Johannigman, Dialect Coach Adam Goldstein, and Conductor Christopher Sargent.

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices start at $55 (excluding tax and handling fees). 

Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations strongly recommended. 

Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: KATIE DEAL SINGS DOLLY PARTON To Play Marriott Theatre March 25 and 26

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU:

KATIE DEAL SINGS DOLLY PARTON

to play Marriott Theatre March 25 and 26

Award-winning country artist and actress Katie Deal (9 TO 5, A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE) will celebrate beloved American icon Dolly Parton in a concert entitled I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, at Marriott Theatre March 25 and 26.

Leading a sublime band, Deal does Dolly proud with her authenticity, vulnerability, and buoyant charm. As a singer-songwriter, Deal is the recipient of a Georgia Country Artist of the Year Award and an honored member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. MILWAUKEE JOURNAL- SENTINEL cheers, "Deal shines when she sings." Hit songs include "Here You Come Again," "I Will Always Love You," "9 to 5," and "Jolene."

Tickets are $55.00 (not including tax and fees) and can be purchased now by calling the box office at 847-634-0200, in person at the Marriott Theatre Box Office, or online at marriotttheatre.com. Marriott Theatre subscribers receive a 20% discount and groups of 20 or more receive a substantial discount (subscriber and group discounts only available through Marriott Theatre Box Office). Marriott Theatre is located at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.

OTHER UPCOMING 2023 CONCERTS

Marriott Theatre’s 2023 concerts, to be produced by Artists Lounge Live, will also include BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: JOHN MICHAEL DIAS SINGS NEIL SEDAKA (September 11 and 12), and JINGLE BELL ROCK WITH MICHAEL INGERSOLL AND CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES (December 4 and 5). Tickets are now on sale for all 2023 concerts at www.MarriottTheatre.com

Dates:           

Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, March 26 at 1:00 pm

Location:

MARRIOTT THEATRE, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Tickets:        

$55.00 (not including taxes and fees)

Box Office:   

847-634-0200

Website: https://www.marriotttheatre.com/show/i-will-always-love-you-katie-deal-sings-dolly-parton 

ABOUT KATIE DEAL 

ABOUT KATIE DEAL: MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL cheers, "Deal shines when she sings." Katie Deal is an award-winning singer-songwriter and actress known for her authentic country sound. Deal is the recipient of a Georgia Country Artist of the Year Award, Atlanta Society of Entertainers Recording Artist of the Year Award, and an honored member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. She has performed with country icon Loretta Lynn and appears as a frequent guest vocalist with Atlanta Pops Orchestra.

As a recording artist and singer-songwriter, Katie has written and/or performed with top Nashville songwriters including Bruce Burch (Reba McEntire), Amanda Colleen Williams (Garth Brooks), Brandon Bush (Sugarland), and John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band). As an actress, Deal won acclaim starring in multiple national tours of A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE and numerous productions of ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE. Other theatre credits nationwide include 9 TO 5 (Doralee), RING OF FIRE (June Carter),THE ROAD: MY LIFE WITH JOHN DENVER, KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE (Sara Carter), and THE SPITFIRE GRILL (Percy, Ostrander Award nomination). Film credits include LET’S BE COPS and BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK. katiedeal.com 

ABOUT ARTISTS LOUNGE LIVE: Artists Lounge Live presents timeless popular music performed by singular talents in captivating concerts marked by superb musicianship and intimate storytelling. The Chicago-based company is created and produced by married team Michael and Angela Ingersoll. All-around entertainer and producer Michael Ingersoll starred as Nick Massi of the Four Seasons in JERSEY BOYS, originating the Broadway tour’s San Francisco, LA, and Chicago casts. He also created retro-rock group Under the Streetlamp, starring in several PBS specials and touring internationally. Emmy Award-nominated actor, singer, and writer Angela Ingersoll tours her PBS special GET HAPPY: ANGELA INGERSOLL SINGS JUDY GARLAND. SHE ALSO STARRED AS GARLAND IN END OF THE RAINBOW, winning Chicago’s Jeff Award and LA Times Woman of the Year in Theatre. artistsloungelive.com