REVIEW: THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND at The Marriott Theatre Now Playing Through November 7th, 2021

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Terry James, Executive Producer 

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director 

presents 

The Songs of Kander and Ebb 

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, one of the most subscribed theaters in the nation, is re-opening with THE WORLD GOES ROUND, a musical revue featuring the songs of Kander and Ebb, the legendary musical duo. The cast includes several Broadway veterans as well as a host of talented Chicago favorites, so don’t miss this!

 All Production Photos by Liz Lauren unless otherwise noted

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Photo by B Kenaz-Mara

As the masked Marriot Theatre audience tentatively ventures out for an experiment in non social distancing, a lone steamer trunk and a ghost light grace a barren stage, an apt visual as Chicago area stages have been dark for over two years now. Audiences and actors alike have a lot to unpack, emotionally and physically, as we negotiate the new reality of theatre openings in the waning days of covid and this was a lovely way to begin again. The energy and happiness was palpable as the stage lights came to life and colorful costumes, props, and actors again populated the stage. 

Meghan Murphy

Things feel a bit daring with a packed house and no possibility of six feet of space between neighbors. Yet some experiences are worth a risk, and with vaccines and mask mandatory, a good portion of the theatre loving populace is tired of staring at their own walls and ready for some soul filling song and dance numbers. Marriot Theatre delivers. The World Goes Round is just the tonic for a pandemic weary populace. 

Even in a COVID-abridged version with no intermission, to reduce movement in and out of the theatre, this show packs an impressive score of toe tapping favorites as the audience is taken on a journey through Kander and Ebb’s virtual hit parade of songs including showstoppers “Cabaret,” “New York, New York,” “All That Jazz,” and “Maybe This Time.” The revue also covers numbers from Chicago, Funny Lady, Kiss of The Spider Woman, Woman of The Year and more. 

Photo by B Kenaz-Mara

Meghan Murphy, AKA: Big Red, has long been a favorite of ours here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows. It's such a joy to see her in a role where she's free to belt out the powerhouse vocals she does so well, and showcase both her range, and her iconic, retro style. The entire cast is top notch and a joy to see in action. 

Meghan Murphy

Break out your theatre garb and head on out for The Happy Time and All That Jazz. 

Isn't This Better than sitting around the house? Highly 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 www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theater critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Check Out The World Goes 'Round Promotional Video Here

Tony & Drama Desk Award-nominated Director and Choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime 2009 revival) will direct and choreograph the Marriott Theatre production.  Milgrom Dodge recently appeared on 2 episodes of Disney+ ENCORE!. She says, “In our newly reimagined production, five friends meet in an abandoned theatre after almost two years of not being able to do what they love most – Perform! The company reflects on what they’ve lost, re-visits meaningful relationships, re-creates their favorite numbers--with choreography that tips its bowler-hat to the great Bob Fosse--and sings their hearts out, as souls are restored with renewed hope for the future.” Associate Director/Choreographer is Josh Walden, who also served with Milgrom Dodge as Associate Director and Associate Choreographer for the Tony nominated Broadway revival of Ragtime and has choreographed many productions at the Kennedy Center, The Muny and more. 

The Artistic Associate for the production is Jonathan Butler-Duplessis. Musical Direction is by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson. The production will feature Set Design by Christopher Rhoton, Costume Design by Sully Ratke, Lighting Design by Jesse Klug, Sound Design by Michael Daly, Wig Design by Miguel Armstrong, and Properties Design by Sally Zack. Intimacy Consultant is Charlie Baker, Stage Manager is Michael Hendricks, Assistant Stage Manager is Richard Strimer and Musical Supervisor is Patti Garwood. 

Allison E. Blackwell & Joseph Anthony Byrd

Allison E. Blackwell

Allison E. Blackwell, a Marriott Theatre newcomer, returns to the Chicago area after playing Violetta in the World Premiere production of Pretty Woman: The Musical at the Nederlander Theatre. Allison has appeared in numerous Broadway productions including A Night with Janis Joplin (Aretha Franklin), Pretty Woman: The Musical (Violetta), The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Disney’s The Lion King. 

Joseph Anthony Byrd

Joseph Anthony Byrd is thrilled to be back at the Marriott Theatre where he was last seen as Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles. Joseph also appeared as Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway and in the Broadway tours of The Lion King and Mamma Mia! 

Kevin Earley

Chicago native and Broadway veteran Kevin Earley has also appeared at the Marriott Theatre in productions including City of Angels, Pirates of Penzance (Jeff Nomination), La Cage Aux Folles, and many more. Kevin earned a Joseph Jefferson Award for The Balladeer in Assassins and played Tommy in Goodman Theatre’s production of Brigadoon. 

Meghan Murphy

Meghan Murphy has lit up the Marriott Theatre stage many times, most recently in Mamma Mia! (Tanya, Jeff Nomination), City of Angels (Oolie/Donna, Jeff Nomination), Sleeping Beauty (Magenta), & Footloose (Betty Blast). 

Amanda Rose

Amanda Rose & Joseph Anthony Byrd

Amanda Rose, also a Marriott Theatre newcomer, appeared in the Broadway and National Tour productions of Holiday Inn (Linda u/s), Wicked (Nessarose), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mrs. Bucket), Dr. Dolittle starring Tommy Tune, and Oklahoma! (Laurey).  

The performance schedule is as follows: 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 range from $50 to $60, 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 www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information. The Songs of Kander and Ebb 

 

The cast includes Allison E. Blackwell, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Kevin Earley, Meghan Murphy, and Amanda Rose; with understudies Christian Denzel Bufford, Alanna Lovely Alexandra Palkovic, Allison Sill, and Trevor Vanderzee. 

Along with a growing coalition of leading Chicagoland performing arts venues, for the health and safety of our audiences, artists and staff, face masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccine or appropriate negative test are required for all patrons during the run of THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND. Additionally, to reduce movement in and out of the theatre, THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND will be presented by special permission in a COVID-abridged version with no intermission. Protocol details are available at MarriottTheatre.com. 

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr. in Lincolnshire, presents THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND, the delightful musical revue featuring the works of John Kander and Fred Ebb, considered one of the most prolific and acclaimed Broadway musical creative teams of all time. The production will preview Wednesday, September 15th, open September 22nd, and close Sunday, November 7th. 

 All Production Photos by Liz Lauren unless otherwise noted 

OPENING: TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Marriott Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

KICKS OFF THE 2019 SEASON WITH THE

TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET  

A twist of fate. An epic jam session. An electrifying musical.

I'll be out on opening night so check back soon for my full review.

There’s a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on with the smash hit MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Marriott Theatre’s latest production running January 16 through March 10, 2019 with a press opening on January 23 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. This production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET stars Christopher J. Essex as “Johnny Cash,” Rustin Cole Sailors as “Elvis Presley,” Shaun Whitley as “Carl Perkins,” Nat Zegree as “Jerry Lee Lewis,” David Folsom as “Sam Philips,” Laura Savage as “Dyanne,” Zach Lentino as “Brother Jay,” and Kieran McCabe as “Fluke.” This rockin’ tribute is directed by James Moye, joined by Jeff Award-winning Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTETcaptures the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement, and thrilling sounds of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music’s best talents came together.

There’s a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on with the smash hit MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, running January 16 through March 10, 2019 with a press opening on January 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Inspired by a true story, this rockin’ tribute is directed by James Moye, joined by Jeff Award-winning Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET captures the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement, and thrilling sounds of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music’s best talents came together.

“Marriott’s theatre in the round set up brings out a level of intimacy to this production unsurpassed in previous renditions,” says James Moye. “Audiences will feel as though they are in the room at Sun Records jamming with these music legends, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience this truly unique night.”  

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Hit songs include: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more. 



MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET stars: 

Christopher J. Essex as “Johnny Cash,” 



Rustin Cole Sailors as “Elvis Presley,” 



Shaun Whitley as “Carl Perkins,” 



Nat Zegree as “Jerry Lee Lewis,” 



David Folsom as “Sam Philips,” 

Laura Savage as “Dyanne,” 

Zach Lentino as “Brother Jay,” 



and Kieran McCabe as “Fluke.” 



The cast is understudied by Lexis Danca, Brian Grey, Colte Julian, Doug Pawlik, Jake Saleh, Anthony Scandora and Steven Romero Schaeffer.

The production will feature set design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, costume design by Theresa Ham, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Zack, hair and makeup design by Miguel A. Armstrong and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.

The performance schedule for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, 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. 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.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

REVIEW: Sweet Charity at Marriott Theatre Through October 28th, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Sweet Charity 

Directed and Choreographed by Alex Sanchez

Review: 

Marriott Theatre has done it again, with a major crowd pleaser full of killer choreography, catchy iconic tunes, and talent to spare. The theatre in the round staging and sparse set design by Scott Davis work particularly well to show off Alex Sanchez's excellent choreography. Video design by Anthony Churchill and costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg, give this retro romp a fabulously fun 60's feel. I was out to review on October 3rd and the audience was enamored.

My favorite choreography by far, was the slinky, dance of the in crowd, when Charity hooked up with Vittorio Vidal (Adam Jacobs) for an evening.

So many songs from Sweet Charity are still in rotation, like “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This,” and “I’m a Brass Band.” Big Spender was particularly delightful, with a jaded, world weary twist.

Kenny Ingram is a hoot as Daddy Brubeck, the underpass preacher with the  colorful hippy congregation.

Initially, the storyline seemed to be following the trite, "Pretty Woman", cinderella plot, but there's an unexpected and delightfully empowering turn. Anne Horak is a particular standout as the unfortunately named heroine, Charity Hope Valentine. She has a compelling combination of naïveté and irrepressible optimism mixed with sexy showgirl finesse. Alex Goodrich also shines as neurotic nut job, Oscar Lindquist. For a lighthearted night out for musical fans, Sweet Charity is a toe tapping good time. Recommended.

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY SMASH HIT

**run time approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission**

Hey Big Spender!

Spend a little time with SWEET CHARITY. The dance-filled, groovy musical comedy inspired by Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, SWEET CHARITY explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. With a tuneful, cool, mid-1960s score by Cy Coleman (Little Me, City of Angels, Barnum), sparkling lyrics by Dorothy Fields (Annie Get Your Gun, Seesaw, Redhead), and a hilarious book by Neil Simon, SWEET CHARITY captures all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of Life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist. Features the songs “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This,” and “I’m a Brass Band.”

From the high-spirited bustling and gritty streets of 1960s New York City comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon, SWEET CHARITY, continuing Marriott Theatre's sensational 2018 season, running September 5 through October 28 with a press opening on Wednesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. 



  The performance schedule for SWEET CHARITY is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, including tax and handling fees. Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, there are a limited number of dinner and theatre packages available, which can only be purchased through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. 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. 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.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

"In approaching SWEET CHARITY, I focused a great deal on Charity's courage and optimism," says Alex Sanchez. "My goal is to highlight the epiphanies Charity discovers throughout her life journey, and how her positive outlook and willingness to become a better person can overcome all obstacles she is faced with." A comedy in every sense of the word, SWEET CHARITY follows the trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, a love-starved, hopelessly romantic dance hall hostess with a heart of gold. Unlucky in love and life, Charity is determined to change her life for the better after being unceremoniously dumped by her latest boyfriend. 

Singing, dancing, laughing and crying her way through one misadventure after the next, the comically unfortunate Charity joins a host of other vibrant characters including cynical girlfriends, an Italian film heartthrob, and the phony evangelist Daddy Brubeck, as she embarks on a wild ride and quest for love. Will her luck change when she meets a hilariously claustrophobic tax accountant, Oscar Lindquist? The electrifying musical comedy brings back all the breathtaking choreography and original classic hits including "Big Spender," "If My Friends Could See Me Now," "Too Many Tomorrows," "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," "I'm a Brass Band," and "Baby, Dream Your Dream."



SWEET CHARITY stars Anne Horak as "Charity Hope Valentine" (Broadway: Chicago, White Christmas), Alex Goodrich as "Oscar Lindquist" (The Marriott Theatre: World Premiere of HERO, She Loves Me, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, ELF, and On the Town); Adam Jacobs as "Vittorio Vidal" (Broadway: Aladdin, The Lion King, Les Misérables), NaTonia Monét as "Helene," Dani Spieler as "Nickie," Kenny Ingram as "Daddy Brubeck," Terry Hamilton as "Herman," and Alexandra Palkovic as "Ursula," with Joe Bigelow, Elyse Collier, Lexis Danca, Alex Dorf, Alejandro Fonseca, Eben K. Logan, Hanah Rose Nardone, Liam Quealy, Adam Rogers, Laura Savage, Alex Smith, Kyra Sorce, and Jessica Wolfrum.

The production will feature set design by Scott Davis, costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg, lighting design by Jesse Klug, video design by Anthony Churchill, sound design by Bob Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Zach, and musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.

OPENING: SHREK THE MUSICAL at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences Through December 30th, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

Presents

Everyone's favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle,

based on the Oscar-winning, smash-hit film.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences series. Their one hour run time, expert casting, and fun theatre in the round staging makes these shows a delight for kids and adults alike. I'll be out with the family for the press opening, October 13th. Check back soon for my full review.

Rediscover the true form of love and friendship with Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay Abaire’s musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation hit, SHREK THE MUSICAL at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, from October 5 through December 30, 2018, with a press opening on Saturday October 13 at 10:00 a.m.  With its clever and humorous take on classic fairytales, this fun and adventure-filled production will be directed by Scott Weinstein, with choreography by William Carlos Angulo and musical direction by Matt Deitchman.

An unlikely hero, Shrek is determined to reclaim his precious swamp from exiled fairytale misfits with the help of his wisecracking sidekick, Donkey. Together, they find themselves on a life-changing journey to rescue a princess who is locked away in an isolated castle guarded by a fire-breathing, lovesick dragon. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a royal wedding, and an evil curse and you've got the kind of mess only true love’s kiss can fix!



Starring in SHREK THE MUSICAL will be a cast of Chicagoland all-stars, including Shea Coffman as Shrek, Jacquelyne Jones as Fiona, Steven Strafford as Farquaad, and Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as Donkey, with Stephen Allen, Jr., Landree Fleming, Rachel Guth, Keirsten Hodgens, Jersie Joniak, Ron King, Garrett Lutz, Sarah Ohlson, Liam Quealy, and Sara Reinecke.

This production will feature set and properties design by Kristen Martino, lighting design by Jesse Klug, costume design by Theresa Ham, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, and video design by Anthony Churchill.   


  
SHREK THE MUSICAL runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Single ticket prices are $18.23 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.