Celebrate Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday with Creole Stomp at Theatre at the Center 3/519

Shows On Our Radar:

Celebrate Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday 

with Creole Stomp at 

Theatre at the Center on March 5

Check out “The Grateful Dead of Creole Music” 

Can't make it down to NOLA this March? How about Munster, IN? Creole Stomp has captured the ears and the feet of Louisiana music fans across North America, including a roof-raising performance at Theatre at the Center in 2018. Led by French-speaking Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp returns for one exclusive performance on Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, March 5, 2019, to keep the performance filled with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and zydeco dance tunes.

Creole Stomp shows have become legendary for the heat and passion conveyed from the stage – music with emotion and energy that literally jumps from the band. In fact, over the years the band has become informally known as “The Grateful Dead of Creole Music,” for their well-oiled, dancer-driven, crowd pleasing marathon jams and improvisation. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues and mazurkas.



Individual tickets are $35 for the 7:00 p.m. concert.   Student tickets are $20.  A Mardi Gras Buffet is available before the concert in the adjoining dining room for an additional $30 plus tax. A limited number of Special Edition T-shirts will be available at the show for sale at $20 each. A Cash Bar will also be available.  To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. 

Founded in 1991, the 410 seat TATC is a year-round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   TATC is an accessible venue with plenty of free parking and is located off I80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

ADULT NIGHT OUT: Pump Boys and Dinettes at Theatre at the Center September 15 through October 16

Theatre at the Center Announces Cast for Pump Boys and Dinettes

Actor Shaun Whitley as “Jim” and actor Christine Mild as “Rhetta Cupp” from Pump Boys and Dinettes at Theatre at the Center in Munster.  The popular musical runs September 15 through October 16.

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Five Chicago actor-musicians make their Theatre at the Center debut in the musical Pump Boys and Dinettes.  Christine Mild as Rhetta Cupp, Shaun Whitley as Jim, Matt Holzfeind as Jackson, Matt Edmonds as L.M. and Cody Siragusa as Eddie are joined by Veronica Garza, who returns to the TATC stage to play Rhetta’s sister Prudie Cupp.   The director is Brian Russell and William Underwood is Music Director.    Pump Boys and Dinettes opens at Theatre at the Center on September 15 and continues through October 16.   Press Opening is Sunday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Set on Highway 57, somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, in the folksy, fun style of Grand Old Opry memories, this countrified musical is a tribute to life along the open road.   The story celebrates life’s simple pleasures and the value of friendship between four gas station attendants and two waitresses at the Double Cupp Diner.   Together, they perform a menu of country and western songs that have received rave reviews beginning with its Broadway debut in 1982 and continuing for many years in Chicago. 

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays and select Thursday and Sunday evenings.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com  

Cast and Crew:

Director Brian Russell’s credits include Ring of Fire, a successful musical review that opened at TATC in 2014 and moved to Chicago’s Mercury Theater in 2015 where it enjoyed a six-month run. Ring of Fire recently completed performances with members of the original cast at the Wyoming Theater Festival.    William Underwood is TATC’s resident music director. John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann wrote the Book, Lyrics and Music for Pump Boys and Dinettes and starred in the original 1982 hit musical on Broadway. 

Christine Mild (Fiddler on the Roof at Paramount and Always: Patsy Cline at Peninsula Players) makes her TATC debut as Rhetta Cupp and Veronica Garza (Ring of Fire at TATC & Mercury and Sideshow at Porchlight Music Theatre) returns to TATC as Prudie Cupp.   Shaun Whitley (Million Dollar Quartet at Apollo Theater) plays Jim, Matt Holzfeind (Oklahoma at Paramount and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson at Bailiwick Chicago) plays Jackson, Matt Edmonds (Rent at Theo Ubique and All-American at Redtwist Theatre) plays L.M. and Cody Siragusa (Buddy:The Buddy Holly Story at Drury Lane) plays Eddie. 

The Pump Boys and Dinettes production team includes set design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Shelley Strasser-Holland, props design by Brittney O’Keefe and sound design by Barry Funderburg.   The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager.   Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s artistic director.

Theatre at the Center:

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theatre at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theatre at the Center is located off I 80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

REVIEW: The Odd Couple at Theatre at the Center in Munster, IN

Adult Night Out:

Theatre at the Center's 
The Odd Couple
through August 14th

Talk about type casting...  Norm Boucher and George Keating were made for these roles, and each are equally hilarious bringing the infamous opposites, Oscar and Felix, to life on stage. This production had the whole audience in stitches over the misadventures of these rudderless BFFs, navigating the choppy waters of divorce, absentee fatherhood, housemate drama, suicidal tendencies, and dating fiascos.  Highly recommended for a nostalgic night out and a good laugh. 

George Keating (Grand Hotel and Meet Me in St. Louis at Theatre at the Center) stars as Felix along with Norm Boucher (The 39 Steps and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) as Oscar. 

 Norm Boucher (left) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (right) as Felix Unger. ©Theatre at the Center, 
All Photos by Michael Brosilow

The supporting cast of poker night pals were a hoot too! Additional cast include Larry Adams (Spamalot and A Christmas Carol The Musical) at Theatre at the Center) as Roy; Brett Tuomi, who has appeared at Goodman Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Iceman Cometh, as Murray the Cop, is making his Theatre at the Center debut; Ray Andrecheck, whose television credits include Chicago P.D., as Speed, is also making his Theatre at the Center debut; and Geoff Rice (A Christmas Memory and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center) plays Vinnie.




Kudos to the Pigeon sisters, Colette Todd (Gwen) and Jocelyn Adamski (Cecily), for the over the top laughter, and wonderful characters as well. Jeff Award winner Colette Todd (Big Fish and Beverly Hillbillies, the Musical at Theatre at the Center) plays Gwen. Jocelyn Adamski, who plays Cecily, has performed at Carnegie Hall and most recently appeared singing and dancing in Wheaton Drama’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is making her debut at Theatre at the Center.





Sure, Chicago has stellar theatre in the city, but Theatre at the Center hits the mark, and is well worth the drive. Highly recommended! 

My son and I ended up sharing a table with Theatre at the Center’s full time props designer, Brittney O’Keefe. She confirmed our gut feelings about the whole vibe of Theatre at the Center being like one big, supportive family. She also said this show was fun to design props for, with the quick apartment transitions from slovenly to neat freak sheek. 

I wish my home had revolving book cases where I could stash all my junk when relatives and friends come to visit! Short of that, I might have to trade my long suffering husband and kids in for a clean freak housemate like Felix. Although I do think his hypochondriac ways would get old fast. 



Finally, we love that Theatre at the Center has jumped on the Signature Show Cocktails wagon. I tried "The Oscar", an awesomely strong dirty vodka martini. They also have "The Felix", a sweet apple martini with a cute parasol garnish. (*available on Friday & Saturday evening performances only). Theatre lovers are social creatures, and show themed drinks make the lively pre and post show conversations and socializing even more fun. They do know how to rock a theme! 

It took us a few years, but here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows we finally ventured out to Theatre at the Center a few months back, on the rave reviews and heartfelt recommendations of some of our fellow theatre critics. Now I'm a convert! Theatre at the Center is simple to navigate to from Chicago and took less drive time than many of our closer theatre haunts where we have to battle cross town traffic. They have plentiful, free parking and a great space. Their 410 seat auditorium is quite spacious and comfortable, while remaining intimate. They even have an art gallery and a gift shop filled with local artisans' works where you can leisurely linger with all the extra pre show time you never expected to have! Furthermore, the talent pool is deep and the shows are professional productions on every front. 

About The Odd Couple

One of Broadway’s most successful comedies and an enduring audience favorite, The Odd Couple is set on the hot summer streets of 1965 New York.   It follows the adventures of two mismatched roommates, Felix Unger, a neurotically neat and fussy news writer, and Oscar Madison, a slovenly sports writer.   The men attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies, all the while trying to rekindle their social lives with side-splitting results.

Actors Norm Boucher and George Keating play the leads in Theatre at the Center’s cast for the famous comedy classic The Odd Couple, the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon. Directed by Larry Wyatt, The Odd Couple runs from July 14 to Aug. 14.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Director Larry Wyatt’s credits include Some Like It Hot and Over the Tavern at Theatre at the Center. 

Norm Boucher (seated) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (standing) as Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple,” the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon. 
© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

The Odd Couple production team includes scenic design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Denise Karczewski, props design by Brittney O’Keefe and sound design by Barry G. Funderburg. The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager. Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home:   The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: The Odd Couple at Theatre at the Center in Munster, IN

Adult Night Out:

Theatre at the Center Announces the Cast for The Odd Couple

Norm Boucher (seated) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (standing) as Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple,” the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon.

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we finally ventured out of state for a theatre road trip on the rave reviews and heart felt recommendations of some of our fellow theatre critics. Now I'm a convert! Theatre at the Center is simple to navigate to from Chicago and took less drive time than many of our closer theatre haunts where we have to battle cross town traffic. They have plentiful, free parking and a great space. Their 410 seat auditorium is quite spacious and comfortable, while remaining intimate. They even have an art gallery and a gift shop filled with local artisans' works where you can leisurely linger with all the extra pre show time you never expected to have! Furthermore, the talent pool is deep and the shows are professional productions on every front. Highly recommended! 

We'll be back for the opening night of The Odd Couple, so check back soon for our full review. We're looking forward to this one.  Sure, Chicago has stellar theatre in the city, but Theatre at the Center hits the mark, and is well worth the drive.

One of Broadway’s most successful comedies and an enduring audience favorite, The Odd Couple is set on the hot summer streets of 1965 New York.   It follows the adventures of two mismatched roommates, Felix Unger, a neurotically neat and fussy news writer, and Oscar Madison, a slovenly sports writer.   The men attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies, all the while trying to rekindle their social lives with side-splitting results.

Actors Norm Boucher and George Keating will play the leads in Theatre at the Center’s cast for the famous comedy classic The Odd Couple, the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon.   Directed by Larry Wyatt, The Odd Couple runs from July 14 to Aug. 14.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Director Larry Wyatt’s credits include Some Like It Hot and Over the Tavern at Theatre at the Center.   George Keating (Grand Hotel andMeet Me in St. Louis at Theatre at the Center) stars as Felix along with Norm Boucher (The 39 Steps and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) as Oscar.   Jeff Award winner Colette Todd (Big Fish and Beverly Hillbillies, the Musical at Theatre at the Center) plays Gwen.   Jocelyn Adamski, who plays Cecily, has performed at Carnegie Hall and most recently appeared singing and dancing in Wheaton Drama’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is making her debut at Theatre at the Center.

 Norm Boucher (left) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (right) as Felix Unger.  

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Additional cast include Larry Adams (Spamalot and A Christmas Carol The Musical) at Theatre at the Center) as Roy;   Brett Tuomi, who has appeared at Goodman Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Iceman Cometh, as Murray the Cop, is making his Theatre at the Center debut; Ray Andrecheck, whose television credits include Chicago P.D., as Speed, is also making his Theatre at the Center debut; and Geoff Rice (A Christmas Memory and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center) plays Vinnie.

The Odd Couple production team includes scenic design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Denise Karczewski, props design by Brittney O’Keefeand sound design by Barry G. Funderburg.   The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager.   Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home:   The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps at Theatre at the Center Fun For Tweens, Teens and Adults

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps

Delightfully Dizzy, Indomitably Funny!  Ben Brantley, NY Times

The 39 Steps is recommended for adults 
and children 11 years old and up.

A hit on Broadway and in London’s West End, the thrilling comedy, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” kick starts Theatre at the Center’s 26th season beginning February 18 and continuing through March 20, 2016.  This comedic spoof offers non-stop action and features four actors playing more than 150 different characters.  The show is filled with an incredible series of lightning fast costume changes that make for a great deal of laughter and excitement. 

© Theatre at the Center, photo by Guy Rhodes

Pictured are Matt Mueller portraying Richard Hannay,  Linda Gillum as Annabella, Norm Boucher and Kevin McKillip as the mysterious men in Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" which opens at Theatre at the Center in Munster on February 18.

Adapted from the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film and the 1915 novel by John Buchan, the story follows Englishman Richard Hannay, who inadvertently embarks on a chaotic adventure full of narrow escapes and mishaps after trying to help a female spy. When he wakes up to find her dead in his apartment, he flees from the police and an espionage organization, desperately trying to find the truth. 

This whirlwind story is directed by David Perkovich with Matt Mueller (“Shining Lives: A Musical” at Northlight Theatre) as Richard Hannay.  Linda Gillum (“A Christmas Story” and “The Fox on the Fairway” at Theatre at the Center) plays several roles including Hannay’s romantic interests.  And Norm Boucher (“Big Fish” and “On Golden Pond” at Theatre at the Center) and Kevin McKillip (“Making God Laugh” at Theatre at the Center) each play more than 30 characters ranging from men, women, children, heroes, villains and even the occasional object. 

“The 39 Steps” production team includes Ann Davis, scenic designer, Brenda Winstead, costume designer, Michael McNamara, lighting designer, Barry G. Funderburg, sound designer, and Brittney O’Keefe, props designer. Matt McMullen is the stage manager. Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director. 

Linda Fortunato has been nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards for her work as a choreographer and director. She received both the Equity and Non-Equity Jeff Award for Outstanding Choreography in the 2013-2014 season, garnering Theatre at the Center their first award for her Choreography of 42nd Street.  In addition to her award-winning work on 42nd Street, Fortunato has been involved with over a dozen shows at Theatre at the Center, including choreographing Spamalot, Big Fish, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You, Fiddler on the Roof; performing in Lend Me a Tenor, The Diary of Anne Frank, and directing A Christmas Story. Fortunato settled in Chicago directly after college and now lives in Evanston with her husband, actor Sean Fortunato, and their seven year old son.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com

Mother's Day Fun Chicago Style #Travel #FoodieFun #Spa #Theatre

We're in the final count down to Mother's Day--a week from today. What have you got planned to make your mom feel special?! This year, is HUGE for us here at ChiIL Mama. You see, my daughter was actually born on Mother's Day back in 2003 and that makes this year her special GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!  She'll be 11 on the 11th and once again it coincides with Mother's Day... so this year is extra extraordinary.  My parents are coming in from Cincinnati for the weekend and we'll be celebrating with the suburban Grandparents as well.

So, we've been scouring the internet and our press connections to make this one especially memorable and we're happy to share some top picks with you. Our plans are still in the works but you can be sure we'll bring our readers along via social media and we'll have a big photo and video filled recap up, shortly thereafter. 

ChiIL Picks For A Memorable Mother's Day in Chi, IL:

For the crowd-pleasing Mom:

Drury Lane Theatre invites families to treat the matriarchs in their family to a spectacular Mother’s Day brunch, served from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mother’s Day, followed by the legendary musical LES MISÉRABLES at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. The brunch buffet features a variety of carved meats, a seafood station, breakfast favorites, assorted sweets, champagne, mimosas, and child-friendly options.  LES MISÉRABLES is the winner of over 50 international theater awards, including eight 1987 Tony Awards (two of which were for Best Musical and Best Score). For reservations, call 630.530.8300 or visit www.drurylane.com.

We caught opening night of Drury Lane's LES MISÉRABLES and HIGHLY recommend it! The cast is superb and the intimate performance space sweeps up the audience in the story line more intensely than the Broadway touring show can do in a giant auditorium.  Drury Lane does a phenomenal job with the set, multimedia screen imagery and costuming.  Les Mis has long been one of my favorite musicals and I've seen the Broadway version several times, so I had high expectations. Drury Lane did NOT disappoint.

Gather around the barricades at Drury Lane... 'Les Miz' is a masterpiece of musical theater!”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“If you want to pull out all the stops... “Les Miserables” is unquestionably the show to stage.”

Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times 

For the Mom who likes cheese but isn’t cheesy:

Legendary fondue restaurant, Geja’s Café (340 W. Armitage) will treat all moms to a complimentary 5-minute massage on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11. Moms will step away from the table to receive a well-deserved pampering in a secluded relaxing atmosphere with licensed massage therapists while they dine. The restaurant will opening at noon on Mother’s Day.  For reservations, call 773-281-9101.

For the foodie Mom:

aria, located at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park (200 North Columbus Dr.) is offering a Mother’s Day brunch menu by Executive Chef James Phillips on Sunday, May 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The hearty menu offers a variety of specialty items that are sure to please not only Mom but the whole family. The brunch is $42 per person. For reservations, call 312-444-9494 or visit www.ariachicago.com.

For the Mom who needs a girls’ night out:

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park (200 North Columbus Dr.) has the perfect “Urban Goddess” package for Moms looking for a night out with her friends. The package includes overnight accommodations for two in a Fairmont Guestroom, a $100 credit per room (per paid night to be used in mySpa for service) and overnight valet parking ($65 value). The package starts at $199 plus tax and gratuity. It is available now through December 31, 2014. Please call 312-946-8945 to make an appointment. Any unused credit is not refundable. Credit is per room, per night.  

For the Mom on the go:

Spring is here, and mySpa, the luxurious retreat at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, (200 North Columbus Dr.) is celebrating its 5^th anniversary with a lunch and a manicure special for only $49.00. The offer includes an array of  healthy lunch selections and a soothing express manicure in your favorite cheerful spring shade. To book, call (312) 946-8945. *Offer is valid through April 30, 2014.

For the Mom looking for a heartfelt comedy:

From the writer of the long-running commercial success Over the Tavern comes the Chicago-area premiere of MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET at Theatre at the Center (1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, Ind.), which tells the story of the working-class Nowak family as they cope with tested faith and life’s surprises. Directed by William Pullinsi, the comedy follows a supposed visitation by the Virgin Mary to a blue collar working class neighborhood, causing revelations for a family of Polish American Catholics. There is a 2:30 p.m. performance of MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET on Mother’s Day. For tickets, call 219.836.3255 or visit www.theatreatthecenter.com.

For the Mom searching for the Purr-fect afternoon:

One of the biggest blockbuster musical hits of our time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS has 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. performances on Mother’s Day at The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.) CATS is directed and choreographed by multiple Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin with Musical Direction by Ryan T. Nelson. In 2003, the Marriott Theatre presented a new production of CATS, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin, which quickly became the best-selling show in the theatre’s long history and one of the audience’s most requested encores. For tickets, call 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

We've had such a busy spring, I must confess we haven't caught CATS yet at The Marriott, but we have seen the Broadway version and this is one marvelous multigenerational musical that appeals to all ages, hence a perfect pick for Mother's Day fun.

For the Mom desiring relaxation and rejuvenation:

Massage Envy Bloomington (314 Towanda Ave., Ste 310, in Normal), which is hosting its Grand Opening on May 6, is featuring a special Mother’s Day package, including a one-hour massage and healthy skin facial session, for only $109.98 on Mother’s Day. The package cannot be combined with other offers. To make an appointment, call 309.862.0900 or visit www.massageenvy.com. 

For the Mom who can’t get enough Jack Lemmon:

Continuing in a tradition of storytelling and music, Hershey Felder (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein and last season’s smash hit Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane) will present the World Premiere of Chris Lemmon in JACK LEMMON RETURNS, a new play with music. There is a 3 p.m. performance on Mother’s Day at The Royal George Theatre (1641 N Halsted St.) The production is written and directed by Hershey Felder and based on the true story of the legendary Jack Lemmon (Mister Roberts, Some Like it Hot, Days of Wine and Roses, The Odd Couple) and his relationship with his son, actor and musician Chris Lemmon (Duet, That’s Life, Lena’s Holiday, etc.). For tickets, call 312.988.9000 or visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com. 

For the Incoming Mom:

Broughton Hotels, a group of newly renovated boutique hotels in Lakeview and Lincoln Park, offer the perfect Chicago neighborhood vacation for incoming Moms or for Chicago locals who just want a change of scene (without socks on the floor, dishes in the sink and little people always needing needing needing). Conveniently located near trendy neighborhood boutiques, theaters and fine dining, the stunning properties at City Suites Hotel, The Majestic Hotel, and The Willows Hotel offer an intimate, neighborhood oasis. For more information, please visit majestic-chicago.com, willowshotelchicago.com, and chicagocitysuites.com.