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'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for September 9th, 2015
by Paul W. Thompson - Sep 9, 2015


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' examines a generation, and 'The Girl In The Train' captures a by-gone era. We run down long-run shows, and break down the Marriott Theatre's 2016 season announcement, too. Plus 'Hollywood' from Light Opera Works, a new show from Underscore, a high school mounts 'Starlight Express,' and Christmas has begun!

EVITA, SPRING AWAKENING & More on Tap for Marriott Theatre's 2016 Season
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 8, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, Chicagoland's longest-running professional musical theater, announces its 2016 Season!  The award-winning theatre will present both premiere productions of recent Broadway hits, and classic revivals in 2016.  Joining returning directors Nick Bowling (The King & I) and Rachel Rockwell (October Sky) Marriott Theatre announced four directors who will be bringing their fresh and exciting perspectives to the unique, intimate Marriott stage for the very first time, William Brown, Amanda Dehnert, Don Stephenson and Aaron Thielen.  They will be joined by choreographers Matt Raftery and Alex Sanchez, and musical directors Ryan T. Nelson and Doug Peck on the creative teams.

BWW Review: World Premiere OCTOBER SKY Gets Off the Ground
by Patrick O'Brien - Aug 30, 2015


Based on the 1999 Universal film, this new musical flies, and will surely fly again soon.

Review Roundup: OCTOBER SKY at The Marriott Theatre
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 28, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, running through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association withUniversal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Pictures film October Sky and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. The show opened on August 26.

Photo Flash: OCTOBER SKY Celebrates Opening Night at The Marriott
by BWW News Desk - Aug 27, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, running through October 11. The show opened on August 26, and BroadwayWorld has photos from the festivities below!

STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights from OCTOBER SKY, Opening Tonight at The Marriott
by Stage Tube - Aug 26, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, opening tonight, August 26, and running through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association with Universal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Picturesfilm OCTOBER SKY and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. BroadwayWorld has a first look at footage from the show below!

Photo Flash: World Premiere of OCTOBER SKY, Starring Nate Lewellyn, Opens at The Marriott Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Aug 26, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, opening tonight, August 26, for a run through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. BroadwayWorld has a look at the cast in action below!

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Rehearsal of OCTOBER SKY, Starring Nate Lewellyn at The Marriott
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 25, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, now playing through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association with Universal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Pictures film OCTOBER SKY and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at rehearsals below!

Photo Flash: First Look at World Premiere of OCTOBER SKY, Starring Nate Lewellyn at The Marriott
by BWW News Desk - Aug 24, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, currently in previews and opening August 26 for a run through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Rehearsals of Marriott Theatre's OCTOBER SKY
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 19, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, previewing tonight,  August 19, opening August 26 and running through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics byMichael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association with Universal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Pictures film October Sky and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.  Check out a sneak peek at rehearsals below!

New Musical OCTOBER SKY Debuts Tonight at The Marriott Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Aug 19, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, previewing tonight, August 19, opening August 26 and running through October 11.

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for August 19th, 2015
by Paul W. Thompson - Aug 19, 2015


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Monday's trifecta of showtune events, including Jackie Burns following Idina, and 'Boy From Oz.' 'Mormon' and 'Dancing' return, and 'Gentleman's Guide' prepares. That 'October Sky' and 'Starcatcher' are set to open, but a lot of shows are closing. Not 'Ring Of Fire!' Concerts are on tap, too, including Seth McFarlane!

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for July 22nd, 2015
by Paul W. Thompson - Jul 22, 2015


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's all about musical legends! 'Men Of Soul,' 'All Shook Up,' 'Amazing Grace,' 'Million Dollar Quartet' and 'Bette' show showbiz as it was. Also on our boards: '[title of show],' 'Madame Pompadour' and 'Clue,' plus revisiting 'Eastland' and preparing to see the 'October Sky.'

New Musical OCTOBER SKY to Premiere at The Marriott Theatre
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 15, 2015


The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, previewing August 19, opening August 26 and running through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association with Universal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Pictures film October Sky and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.

American Music Theatre Project to Workshop New Musical THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF PERCIVAL VON SCHMOOTZ
by Tyler Peterson - May 21, 2015


The American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) at Northwestern University will workshop and present a staged reading of the new musical "The Enlightenment of Percival von Schmootz" written by the Fred Ebb Award, Jonathan Larson Grant and Lorenz Hart Award-winning team Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond. 

Photo Flash: ANYTHING GOES Celebrates Opening Night at The Marriott
by BWW News Desk - Apr 17, 2015


One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. The production opened on April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights from ANYTHING GOES at The Marriott Theatre
by Stage Tube - Apr 14, 2015


One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which is currently in previews and opens tomorrow, April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

Photo Flash: First Look at Stephanie Binetti and More in ANYTHING GOES at The Marriott
by BWW News Desk - Apr 14, 2015


One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which is currently in previews and opens tomorrow, April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Robin is joined by Music Director Jeff Award-nominee Ryan T. Nelson. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Marriott Theatre to Continue Season with ANYTHING GOES
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 7, 2015


One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. Anything Goes features an unparalleled score by the legendary Cole Porter with a virtual hit parade of songs ("De-lovely," "Friendship," 'You're the Top,' "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," 'I Get a Kick Out of You"). 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which previews April 8, opens April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Robin is joined by Music Director Jeff Award-nominee Ryan T. Nelson.

BWW Reviews: ALL NIGHT STRUT- A JUMPIN' JIVE JAM
by Pati Buehler - Mar 23, 2015


A brick school house turned theater continues to thrive thanks to a loyal community effort.

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