BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL To Play Marriott Theatre November 1 Through December 31, 2023

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Peter Blair, Executive Producer 

Peter Marston Sullivan, Artistic Director 

Presents

 

Celebrating the soundtrack of a generation!

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we adore BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, and can't wait to see Marriott Theatre's take on this acclaimed production. Our guest critic, D'Arcy Mies will be out to see it on opening night, the 8th, so check back soon after for her full review.

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.

SWINGING ON A STAR, A SALUTE TO BING CROSBY AND THE ANDREWS SISTERS at Marriott Theatre December 17, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

SWINGING ON A STAR, A SALUTE TO BING CROSBY AND THE ANDREWS SISTERS, STARRING JARED BRADSHAW 

to play Marriott Theatre

Aislinn Rain Photography

Performances set for Tuesday, December 17 at 3pm and 7:30pm

Artists Lounge Live presents SWINGING ON A STAR, A SALUTE TO BING CROSBY AND THE ANDREWS SISTERS starring Broadway’s Jared Bradshaw on Tuesday, December 17, at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.

Tis the season to be jolly as Broadway baritone Jared Bradshaw celebrates Bing Crosby, the crooner who immortalized the most famous secular Christmas song of all time – “White Christmas.” Bradshaw is a veteran of the Great White Way, appearing in JERSEY BOYS and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Lauded as “immensely talented” by Associated Press, Bradshaw is an entertainer possessing the easy charm of a bygone era. Also featuring a trio of talented dolls singing the infectious harmonies of the Andrews Sisters, this is one humdinger of a good time! Traditional favorites include “Jingle Bells,” "Chattanooga Choo-Choo," "Mele Kalikimaka," and of course, “White Christmas.”  Presented by Artists Lounge Live.

Tickets are priced at $50. Marriott Theatre subscribers receive a 20% discount. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 847-634-0200, in person at the Marriott Theatre Box Office, or online at Ticketmaster.com (subscriber discount only available at Marriott Theatre Box Office).

Next up in the series is SILLY LOVE SONGS: MICHAEL MAHLER SINGS PAUL MCCARTNEY, March 9 and 10, 2020.

Date:             December 17, 2019, 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Location:        MARRIOTT THEATRE, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Tickets:          $50.00 (not including taxes and fees)
Box Office:     847-634-0200
Website:         www.artistsloungelive.com

ABOUT THE ARTIST: The Associated Press calls him “immensely talented,” and Sound and Town cheers “Bradshaw delivers an electrifying performance.” Jared Bradshaw is a Broadway veteran who recently appeared in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Previously, Bradshaw was a long time cast member of the Tony Award-winning smash hit JERSEY BOYS, swinging multiple roles in the Broadway, First National Tour, and Chicago companies.

Off-Broadway, he delighted audiences in numerous incarnations of the wickedly funny FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, deftly taking on celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, Harry Connick Jr, and John Travolta. Pre-Broadway: DAVE. Regional theatre highlights include: THE MUSIC MAN (Harold Hill), SINGING IN THE RAIN (Don Lockwood), GUYS AND DOLLS (Nathan Detroit), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Jekyll/Hyde), WEST SIDE STORY (Riff), CABARET (Cliff), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie), MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA, and numerous productions of SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE. Additionally, he travelled as a featured performer aboard Disney Cruise Ships. Jared and wife Lindsay Northen (Broadway’s WICKED) are the proud parents of little Georgia. jaredbradshaw.com



ABOUT THE PROJECT: Artists Lounge Live is a dynamic concert series featuring popular music of yesterday performed live by tremendous talent of today. Rising stars of stage and screen pay homage to the icons that influenced them in emotional evenings of storytelling and song. In addition to showcasing superb musicianship, powerful storytelling sets Artists Lounge Live apart. Shows explore the lives of icons with empathy and delve into the landscape of America when the music was being made. Headliners are not impersonators; rather, they are artistic descendants to the icon they cover. By sharing their gratitude, the artists offer audiences a piece of their heart. Artists Lounge Live hopes that as you fall in love with the music all over again, you’ll also fall in love with the featured artist dedicated to keeping your music alive for the next generation. Producer/performer Michael Ingersoll states, "Popular music is our shared heritage and we honor it the best way we know how: by gathering together to enjoy live entertainment. We believe in the restorative power of live entertainment, for both the individual and the community." artistsloungelive.com

Artists Lounge Live shows are created by husband and wife team Michael and Angela Ingersoll. Michael is known for starring as Nick Massi of the Four Seasons in JERSEY BOYS, launching the original San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago runs. He went on to start the retro-rock vocal group Under the Streetlamp; recording, touring, and co-starring in the quartet's multiple PBS concert specials. Angela is an Emmy-nominated actress who headlines concert stages nationwide in GET HAPPY: ANGELA INGERSOLL SINGS JUDY GARLAND, as seen on PBS. She won acclaim portraying Garland in the play END OF THE RAINBOW, including Chicago’s Jeff Award and LA Times Woman of the Year in Theatre. The couple live in Chicago.

GIVEAWAY AND REVIEW: WIN a Pair of Tickets $120 Value/ 2 Winners To The Midwest Premiere Of DARLING GRENADINE at Marriott Theatre through August 18th

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar
DARLING GRENADINE 


Heath Saunders, Paul the Dog and Phillip Huber 
Photo Credit for all Production Photos: Liz Lauren


Katherine Thomas and Heath Saunders 

Enter Below Through Midnight August 1st 

For Your Chance To WIN

a Pair of Tickets $120 Value/2 winners To 

DARLING GRENADINE at Marriott Theatre 

Valid for any performance through August 18, 2019 

(pending availability)

REVIEW:

by bonnie kenaz-mara

It was my great pleasure to catch opening night of Marriott Theatre's Darling Grenadine with a couple of friends. This powerful production is a must see for anyone who has loved and lost a person, a pet, a childhood friend, or a dream. It's a passionate love story, with surprising depth and insight about addiction, the travails of making a living as a creative artist in our society, the pain of selling out, and the joys and risks of putting your heart and your true self out there, for the world. 

The true charm of Darling Grenadine is in the details. All the little moments of playful banter, finding joy in the daily mundane, the changing of season, and fabulously flawed humans just being, are where this show shines. This isn't a happily ever after. Rather, Darling Grenadine is the painful process of growing and becoming. It's mistakes, missteps, failures and foibles, sexy and sad. What a true joy to see such stellar storytelling. The entire cast is crazy talented and Paul the Dog and his puppeteer/creator are something to see. The dog's vocalizations are cleverly "voiced" by trumpet by Mike Nappi.  

Paul the Dog and Phillip Huber 

Mike Nappi 

This pup's mannerisms, size, and look are modeled after legendary puppeteer, Phillip Huber's own Golden Lab with an intentionally open/mesh body design (Ala "War Horse") to both represent an unfinished story and to give the audience a bit of emotional cushion from becoming too attached. I'm not sure the latter helped much, as the entire audience bonded with this captivating canine from the opening scene.

ChiIL Mama ChiILin' with Paul the Dog and Phillip 

Paul Photos Below by B. Kenaz-Mara

It was truly a treat to hang with Paul the Dog at the opening night, post show party. We had a fascinating talk with Huber about his creative process, that my friend, Kathy Roman video taped on her phone. Check it out here.

This is not your typical lighthearted summer fare, or fluff piece musical. Darling Grenadine's dark undertones lend authenticity and realism to these characters and scenarios, sorely lacking in most musical theatre. The script is phenomenal and utterly relatable. 

Despite a hopeful ending, by the close of the second act, there were few dry eyes in the house. One of my friends was so emotionally devastated by this production, that she was still pretty undone well into the afterparty. Knowing the impact, be forewarned this production may be triggering for dog lovers and those who have struggled with alcoholism or addiction issues in family, friends and loved ones. Still, the message of second chances, growing into your potential and new beginnings is worth the emotional rollercoaster ride. Don't miss this. Highly recommended.

Nick Cosgrove

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based writer-theater critic-photographer-videographer-actress-artist-general creatrix and Mama to two terrific teens. She owns two websites where she has published frequently since 2008: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

 

Terry James, Executive Producer

Aaron Thielen, Lead Artistic Director

Andy Hite, Artistic Director

Present the Midwest premiere of this boldly unique, bittersweet new musical
DARLING GRENADINE 

With its surprising melding of off-beat, whimsical humor and serious themes of denial and loss, DARLING GRENADINE makes its Midwest premiere, running June 26th through August 18th, at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Featuring an eclectic score and stirring book and lyrics by Daniel Zaitchik, DARLING GRENADINE takes audiences on an emotional journey of highs and lows, where old meets new and romance meets reality. Directed by Jeff Award winner Aaron Thielen, with musical direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson, this exhilarating show continues Marriott Theatre’s long tradition of presenting new musicals.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this new musical to life,” says Director Aaron Thielen. “It is an honor to be entrusted with Daniel’s words and music, and we look forward to the opportunity to take audiences on the journey of this vibrant, fresh show.”



Harry is a charming songwriter whose fanciful view of the world rivals the Technicolor of any MGM classic. But as Harry floats through the kind of Manhattan life that dreams are made of, he suddenly finds himself confronted with the idea that a dream may be exactly what it is. And reality isn’t nearly as beautiful. Told with a rich contemporary score, DARLING GRENADINE peels away the layers of musical comedy tropes to explore the friction between romance and reality, joy and heartbreak. This bittersweet new musical brings us something magical, moving, and unique.





DARLING GRENADINE was originally staged in concert form at Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Angeles, and further developed at the Johnny Mercer Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals where it debuted on the Norma Terris Theatre stage. Now in a Midwest Premiere at Marriott Theatre, the musical stars Heath Saunders as “Harry” (Marriott Theatre debut! Broadway: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812; Lyric Opera of Chicago: Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar; MCC Theater: Alice by Heart), Katherine Thomas as “Louise” (Marriott Theatre: Ragtime; Arena Stage: Jubilee; Milwaukee Rep: The All Night Strut) and Nick Cosgrove as “Paul” (Broadway: Jersey Boys; Marriott Theatre: Footloose, Oklahoma!, The Bridges of Madison County). DARLING GRENADINE also stars Phillip Huber, Mike Nappi, Allison Sill, and Brandon Springman, with understudies Laura Brennan, Adam LaSalle, Jeff Pierpoint, Jaq Seifert, Elizabeth Telford, and Patrick Michael Tierney.

The production features set design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, media design by Anthony Churchill, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Zack, orchestrations by Matt Moisey, and musical supervision by Patti Garwood. The production will also feature costume design by Theresa Ham. Marionette created, built, and provided by The Huber Marionettes.

The performance schedule for DARLING GRENADINE 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. 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.

Enter HERE Through Midnight, August 1 

For Your Chance To WIN

a Pair of Tickets $120 Value/2 Winners To 

DARLING GRENADINE at Marriott Theatre 

Valid for any performance through August 18, 2019 

(pending availability)

ENTER HERE

OPENING: SWEET CHARITY at The Marriott Theatre September 5 through October 28th, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Sweet Charity 

Directed and Choreographed by Alex Sanchez

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: Murder for Two at Marriott Theatre Through August 26

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Murder for Two 

Directed by Scott Weinstein.

runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

The perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder!

Check out the hit musical comedy, Murder for Two, running July 3 through August 26 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Written by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, and featuring two powerhouse actors performing 13 roles and playing the piano throughout, Murder for Two is a modern twist on the classic whodunit, directed by Jeff Award winner Scott Weinstein (Drury Lane: Rock of Ages; Griffin: Ragtime, Violet; National Tour, Las Vegas and Chicago productions of Million Dollar Quartet; world premiere of Baristas at the New York International Fringe Festival), with Music Direction by Matt Deitchman (Marriott Theatre: She Loves Me, Shrek).

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed…fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills—with the help of his silent partner, Lou. But whodunit? Did Dahlia Whitney, Arthur’s scene-stealing wife, give him a big finish? Is Barrette Lewis, the prima ballerina, the prime suspect? Did Dr. Griff, the overly-friendly psychiatrist, make a frenemy? Everyone is a suspect in Murder for Two, a hilarious musical murder mystery with a twist: One actor investigates the crime. The other plays all of the suspects. And they both play the piano! A zany blend of classic musical comedy and madcap mystery, this fast and funny whodunit is a highly theatrical duet loaded with killer laughs.

"This production provides a fantastic evening of murder mystery, zany comedy, and true virtuoso performances. There are only two performers that take on 13 roles throughout the entire 90 minutes," says Director Scott Weinstein. "They not only remain on stage for the entire show, but one or both of them are also playing the piano throughout. Whether you are a fan of comedy, mystery, or anything in between, this production will have you begging for more."

Murder for Two stars Noel Carey as "Marcus" (National Tour: Murder for Two; Theatre Under the Stars: Million Dollar Quartet), and Jason Grimm as "The Suspects" (Marriott Theatre: Singin' in the Rain, How to Succeed Without Really Trying), with standbys Matt Deitchman and Matt Edmonds. The production will feature set design by Scott Davis, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.

The performance schedule for Murder for Two 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. Tickets now on sale through August 26, 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-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.

OPENING: Ragtime at Marriott Theatre January 24 through March 18, 2018

 Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY CLASSIC

"Simply stunning in every detail"

- Variety

"A triumph for the stage"

- Time Magazine

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we adore Marriott Theatre productions, from their stellar casting choices to their unique theatre in the round staging. We're eager to see their latest extravaganza and kick off for their 2018 season, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME. I'll be out on February 1st to catch it, so check back soon for my full review.

From the volatile melting pot of New York City at the dawn of a new century, comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME, kicking off Marriott Theatre’s 2018 Season, January 24 through March 18, 2018 with a press opening on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Featuring a powerful score by the Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and book by four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, RAGTIME is a sweeping musical portrait of America. Seven-time Jeff Award winner Nick Bowling (The Bridges of Madison County, Man of La Mancha, The King and I) returns to Marriott Theatre to direct, with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and Choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson.

“RAGTIME is a musical about individual people, but it shows the bigger picture of a struggling country, which is often divided by race, class, and economic standing, working together for American progress,” says Director Nick Bowling. “We live in such explosive times, but often, to move forward, it is necessary to endure hardships, and I think that is what makes RAGTIME such an emotional and beautiful musical.”

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. Based on the distinguished novel by E.L. Doctorow, this musical weaves together three distinctly American tales – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair... and what it means to live in America. Written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once on this Island, Anastasia, Seussical) and noted playwright Terrence McNally, this acclaimed musical is filled with pageantry, emotion and hope, bursting onto the stage like no other musical.

RAGTIME stars Jeff Award Winner Kathy Voytko as “Mother” (Marriott Theatre: The Bridges of Madison County, Les Misérables; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: Passion; Broadway: Oklahoma!, Nine, The Frogs, The Pirate Queen and Next to Normal); Jeff Award Winner Nathaniel Stampley as “Coalhouse Walker, Jr.” (Marriott Theatre: The Bridges of Madison County, Man of La Mancha; Broadway/National Tour: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess; Broadway: Cats, The Color Purple and The Lion King; London: The Lion King; Apple Tree Theatre: Big River; Milwaukee Rep: Dreamgirls and Man of La Mancha); Benjamin Magnuson as “Tateh” (Broadway/National Tours: Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables), Katherine Thomas as “Sarah” (Griffin Theatre: Ragtime; Porchlight Theatre: Dream Girls), Adam Monley as “Father” (Broadway: Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Tours: Deaf West’s Big River, Phantom of the Opera), and Will Mobley as “Younger Brother” (Writers Theatre: Julius Caesar, Days Like Today; Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night). RAGTIME also stars Paula Hlava as “Little Girl,” Patrick Scott McDermott  as “Little Boy,” Jonathan Butler Duplessis as “Booker T. Washington,” Christina Hall as “Emma Goldman,” Michelle Lauto as “Evelyn Nesbit,” Matt Deitchman as “Henry Ford,” Alexander Aguilar as “Harry Houdini,” Keirsten Hodgens as “Sarah’s Friend,” Terry Hamilton as “Grandfather,” Larry Adams as “J.P. Morgan,” and Ken Singleton as “Willie Conklin,” with Curtis Bannister, Shea Coffman, Autumn Hlava, Christopher Kale Jones, James Earl Jones II, Ron King, Teressa LaGamba, Blace McGraw, Ben Miller, Zoe Nadal, Khadijah Rolle and Elizabeth Telford.

The production will feature set design by Jeff Kmiec, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Weiss, and musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.  



The performance schedule for RAGTIME 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-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: Hilarious Honeymoon in Vegas Flamboyant Fun at Marriott Theatre

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Review:
Searching out shows with young love, a rich villain, ghosts from the past, and a load of laughs? You have your choice of a plethora of productions. Add in a hoard of flying Elvis Impersonators, a trio of plumed showgirls, a rigged card game, a tristate trek ranging from New York to Nevada to Hawaii, and some of the wittiest wordplay and stellar new songs out there, and you're down to the one and only Honeymoon in Vegas, now playing at the acclaimed Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. 





We adored this new musical, a regional premiere with the original Broadway director, Gary Griffin, on board as well as the original choreographer, Denis Jones, and costume designer, Brian Hemesath. This adaptation of the 1992 movie begins with common cold feet and gets infinitely wackier from there. Honeymoon in Vegas is a hoot and a half. Highly recommended.





When it comes to powerhouse players, this theatre isn't messing around. They've assembled a multi award winning production team and hired major talent off stage and on, for this fabulously funny foray into the kitchy world of Las Vegas. There's not a weak performance in the bunch, but leads Jack (Michael Mahler), Betsy (Samantha Pauly), and Tommy (Sean Allan Krill) are particular standouts.

Click here for artists' bios, show details and ticket purchasing links.

The performance schedule for HONEYMOON IN VEGAS is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 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 FREE dinners available with the purchase of a full-priced theatre ticket, which can only be purchased through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. 





**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.

“A real-live, old-fashioned, deeply satisfying Broadway musical in a way few new shows are anymore.” –The New York Times

 Terry James, Executive Producer

Aaron Thielen, Lead Artistic Director

Andy Hite, Artistic Director

Led by the original Broadway powerhouse team, including ten-time Jeff Award-winning director Gary Griffin, Tony Award-nominated choreographer Denis Jones, and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Brian Hemesath (PBS’s “Sesame Street”, NBC’s “SNL”), HONEYMOON IN VEGAS, a loving throwback to the classic American musical, makes its Regional Premiere at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire with previews August 23, opening August 30 at 8 pm, and running through October 15. 

With music and lyrics by three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown and book by highly-acclaimed American screenwriter Andrew Bergman, HONEYMOON IN VEGAS is a hysterical romantic comedy, based off the hit 1992 film. The veteran team also includes Jeff Award-winning musical director Ryan T. Nelson and Jeff Award-winning associate choreographer William Carlos Angulo.



“HONEYMOON IN VEGAS brings a modern twist to the beloved classic American musical, written by a contemporary writer for today’s audiences,” says Director Gary Griffin. “And there’s just something about Chicago. I am excited to give The Marriott Theatre audiences unprecedented access to this particular show, with so many touch points coming straight from the Broadway stage.”

A delightful and bouncy mix of old-time Vegas and contemporary musical theatre, HONEYMOON IN VEGAS tells the story of Brooklyn couple Jack Singer and Betsy Nolan, who have escaped to Las Vegas to tie the knot. Everything changes when the couple encounters Tommy Korman, a dashing Vegas gambler who believes Betsy is a spitting image of his deceased wife. With Tommy’s determination and Jack’s hopeful heart, HONEYMOON IN VEGAS throws the audience on a hilarious rollercoaster ride of love, humor, and competition for true romance.



HONEYMOON IN VEGAS stars Jeff Award Winner Michael Mahler as “Jack Singer” (Broadway: Miss Saigon; Marriott Theatre: October Sky, Hero, City of Angels); Samantha Pauly as “Betsy Nolan” (Marriott Theatre: Evita, Elf the Musical); Jeff Award Winner Sean Allan Krill as “Tommy Korman” (Broadway: Mamma Mia!, Honeymoon in Vegas, and On a Clear Day; National Tour: Thoroughly Modern Millie; Marriott Theatre: Brigadoon, 1776, and Pirates of Penzance); Cole Burden as “Buddy Rocky/Roy Bacon” (National Tours: Les Misérables, The Bridges of Madison County; Marriott Theatre: Legally Blonde); Marya Grandy as “Bea Singer” (Broadway: Les Misérables; Marriott Theatre: How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Sister Act, and On the Town); and Steven Strafford as “Johnny Sandwich” (National Tours: Spamalot, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Grease; Marriott Theatre: She Loves Me and Madagascar). Also starring in HONEYMOON IN VEGAS are DeShawn Bowens, Christine Bunuan, Aaron Choi, Shana Dagny, Devin DeSantis, Alejandro Fonseca, Alex Goodrich, Anne Gunn, Kristina Larson, Tyler John Logan, Richard Manera, James Rank, Jessica Wolfrum Raun, Drew Redington, Laura Savage, Allison Sill, and Ambria Sylvain.



The production will feature set design by Kevin Depinet, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Weiss, projections design by Anthony Churchill, and musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.