Marriott Theatre: "My One and Only"

If tap dancing were easier, it’d be called basketball. Don’t just look for Chicagoland’s top athletes on the United Center’s hardwood this season. They’re at Lincolnshire’s Marriott Theatre in the jukebox musical with a George and Ira Gershwin score, “My One and Only.” The plot of this 1983 musical set in 1927 revolves around the […]

Marriott Theatre: "Dreamgirls"

“Dreamgirls,” the glitzy, loose fictionalization of the Supremes becoming stars through the 1960s and 70s, premiered August 22 on the cusp of Leo and Virgo. And the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre faithful rose to their feet. Opening night certainly enjoyed its share of star-quality moments. The vocal chops of Raena White as the top-then-toppled Dreamette, Effie, […]

The Lights Go Up On the 2012-2013 Season

September’s always one of the busiest months for theatergoing, as many stage companies come back from summer break. This year’s fall season is front-loaded with highly anticipated shows by some of the Chicago area’s most celebrated directors. Sweet Bird of Youth September 15 – October 28 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | […]

Marriott Brings New, Loveable Hero to Town

To north suburban theater-goers tempted to pass on Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre’s unknown summer offering, “HERO the Musical,” a word of advice. Don’t. This world premiere by Marriott’s artistic director Aaron Thielen and Michael Mahler is an understated gem of a show. The simple story of a talented-while-tormented young Milwaukee illustrator, Hero Batowski, is well-written, exquisitely […]

This Year for Mother’s Day Say It With Live Theater

With May comes celebration of the hardest job on the planet—motherhood. What better way to say thank you to the woman who facilitated one’s worldly existence than the gift of live theatre? These Chicagoland offerings deserve to be included among this May’s flowers. MARRIOTT LINCOLNSHIRE THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” […]

Marriott's New “Joseph” is Dreamy

Many decades ago, before even “Jesus Christ Superstar” began, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice presented a 15-minute pop cantata at a London school, telling-by-singing the “Genesis” story of Joseph and his brothers. Proving that, really, not just any dream will do—only the big ones, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” evolved into a global […]

Marriott Theatre’s “Legally Blonde” is More Fun than the Movie

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” is a sassy celebration of superficiality that’s such a good time, you’ll be glad you joined the party. The musical follows the same story as the film: Bubbly UCLA sorority girl Elle Woods follows her blueblood boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, to Harvard Law School to prove she is serious enough to […]

Stage Rites

Chicago theaters take on tradition this December. December is not just any month. The last month of the year is designated for gathering with friends and family to partake in age-old traditions, such as attending midnight mass, lighting the menorah and making the trek to your great Aunt’s annual cookie exchange. From Sedaris to Irving […]

Marriott’s “Seussical” Rhymes, Sings, and Captivates

A doctor’s life’s work is depicted … On the main stage out Lincolnshire way At the Marriott Theatre for young-uns Where the shows all run during the day It’s a rhyming bonanza of color and fun An excellent show is this, “Seussical” The book, score and acting, directing and such Would make this a fine […]