Marriott Theatre Announces 2011 Season

The Marriott Theatre, Chicago's longest running musical theatre announces its 2011 season. The critically acclaimed theatre will present the high stakes musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS, previewing January 26, opening February 2, running through March 27; the song and tap extravaganza 42nd STREET, previewing March 30, opening April 6, running through May 29; a new twist on the 60s hit parade SHOUT! previews June 15, opens June 22, runs through August 14; a world premiere musical FOR THE BOYS, based on the 1991 Fox film starring Bette Midler, previewing August 17, opening August 24, and running through October 16; and the "brand-new, old-fashioned" Irving Berlin musical treasure WHITE CHRISTMAS, previewing October 16, opening October 26, and running through January 1, 2012.

The new Marriott season opens with two Tony Award-winning Best Musicals GUYS AND DOLLS and 42nd STREET!

GUYS AND DOLLS brings to life the fabled Broadway world of high rollers, loveable lowlifes, and Salvation Army soul savers and features one of the great musical scores in the history of American theatre by Frank Loesser. GUYS AND DOLLS will be directed and choreographed by Matt Raftery, an acclaimed actor and choreographer featured in numerous Marriott Theatre productions. GUYS AND DOLLS marks Mr. Raftery's Marriott Theatre directorial debut. Musical direction is by Dr. Ryan Nelson.

Come and meet those dancing feet! 42nd STREET taps its way to the Marriott Theatre. 42nd STREET is based on the 1933 Busby Berkeley movie of the same name, telling the story of a starry-eyed young actress named Peggy Sawyer who comes to audition for the new Julian Marsh musical about to open on Broadway. Having garnered a Tony Award for Choreography, 42nd STREET is heralded as displaying tap dance in a brand new light. One of the longest running musicals in Broadway's history, 42nd STREET will be directed and musically staged by Rachel Rockwell (SPELLING BEE, A CHORUS LINE) with choreography by Tammy Mader. Critically acclaimed musical director Doug Peck heads up the music department.

Summer 2011 will have audiences tap, clap and shout to the sensational sounds of the 60s British Invasion with Marriott's new twist on SHOUT!, previewing June 15, opening June 22 and running through August 14. With its irresistible blend of hip-swiveling hits, eye-popping fashions and outrageous dance moves, SHOUT! will feature terrific new arrangements of chart-topping hits such as "To Sir with Love", "Downtown", "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me", "Son of A Preacher Man" and "Shout". The unique talents of Director and Choreographer Rachel Rockwell and musical director Dr. Ryan Nelson, along with Marriott Theatre's co-Artistic Director Andy Hite, head Marriott's take on this musical celebration.

In August 2011, The Marriott Theatre will present the world premiere of a new musical by Aaron Thielen, FOR THE BOYS; based on a popular 1991 Fox film starring Bette Midler (Midler garnered an Academy Award nomination for her role). Aaron Thielen, Marriott Theatre's co-artistic director, adapted FOR THE BOYS for the stage. It follows the story of 1940s big-band singer Dixie Leonard and America's premier entertainer Eddie Sparks, USO performers whose electrifying stage presence and flair for outrageous comedy captivates troops and civilians alike. Thielen once again teams up with Marc Robin who will direct and choreograph FOR THE BOYS. Robin and Thielen co-authored Marriott's 2006 smash hit ALL NIGHT STRUT. Musical direction is by Dr. Ryan Neson, overseeing a score of hit parade treasures from 3 decades of popular music.

One of America's most beloved silver screen classics is now a brand new stage musical - Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS. Perfect for the entire family, WHITE CHRISTMAS closes out Marriott's 2011 season. When two song and dance men follow a sister act booked at a lodge in Vermont, they discover that with no snow and no customers, the owner is nearly bankrupt. The four actors now team up and put on a show to save the lodge. Packed with Irving Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "I Love a Piano" and of course "White Christmas". The entire family will celebrate this magical time of year with this beautiful new musical. WHITE CHRISTMAS will be directed and choreographed by Marc Robin, with musical direction by Michael Mahler.

For information on becoming a Marriott Theatre Subscriber call the box office at 847-634-0200 and ask to be put on the waiting list to become a new subscriber in 2011. After the theater's 2010 subscribers renew, the waiting list will be given priority.

The performance schedule for all shows 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., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $40.00 to $48.00, excluding tax and handling fees. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings get a three-course meal and a ticket to the show for only $55.00. For Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening dinner reservations in The King's Wharf or Fairfield Inn, please call 847-634-0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to Ticketmaster.com. For more information please visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.