FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, And ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Among The Marriott Theatre's 35th Anniversary Season

The Marriott Theatre, known for reenergizing the classics, showcasing new works, and delivering smash hits directly from Broadway, announces its 35th Anniversary 2010 Season. In 35 years, the theatre has presented more than 135 productions to an estimated 7 million people and currently has more subscribers than any other regional theatre in the nation.  Following an acclaimed 2009 season, The Marriott Theatre will present the international phenomenon Fiddler on the Roof, previewing February 17th, opening February 24th, running through April 25th; the regional premiere of the recent Broadway sensation The Drowsy Chaperone, previewing April 28th, opening May 5th, running through June 27th; the effervescent Caribbean musical fairytale Once on This Island, previewing June 30th, opening July 7th, running through August 29th; the multi-Tony Award winning musical A Chorus Line, previewing September 1st, opening September 8th, running through October 31st, 2010; and the beloved classic The Music Man, previewing November 3rd, opening November 10th, and running through January 9th, 2011.

The 2010 season begins with Fiddler on the Roof.  This Tony Award-winning musical has captured the hearts of people all over the world.  It is the bittersweet tale of a family coping with a changing world.  Tevye, a Jewish dairyman, and his family live in a small village in 1905 Tsarist Russia.  With the help of the local matchmaker, Tevye and his wife are in search of acceptable husbands for their three lively daughters. While their daughters are determined to break tradition and marry the men they love, Tevye begins to face bigger issues as Jews are being persecuted in his homeland.  A hopeful celebration of the human spirit, Fiddler on the Roof features an unforgettable score with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein. Directed by David H. Bell, with music direction by Doug Peck, Fiddler on the Roof stars award-winning actor Ross Lehman as Tevye and previews February 17th, opens February 24th and runs through April 25th.

The Drowsy Chaperone, a “musical within a comedy,” debuted on Broadway in 2006 and was an instant hit, winning seven Drama Desk Awards and five Tony Awards.  To chase his blues away, a modern day musical theater addict known simply as 'Man in Chair,' drops the needle on his favorite LP, the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. When the record begins to play, the musical magically bursts to life on stage, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the wedding, her chaperone, the debonair groom, her Latin lover and a pair of bumbling gangsters.  This hilarious show-within-a-show features a zany book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and a toe-tapping score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.  Directed and Choreographed by Marc Robin, The Drowsy Chaperone will preview April 28th, open May 5th and run through June 27th.

Once on this Island is a musical love story set in the beautiful Caribbean islands. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy and the classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid, Once on this Island tells the story of Ti Moune, a poor peasant girl who falls in love with an upper-class gentleman named Daniel.  The island gods of Love, Earth, Water, and Death try to manipulate the young lovers on a fateful journey that tests the strength of their love.  The show features a contemporary, calypso-flavored score by the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime). An enchanting story for all ages, Once on this Island received eight Tony Award Nominations in 1991, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.  The production previews June 30th, opens July 7th and runs through August 29th.

Celebrating a 35th Anniversary of its own, A Chorus Line debuted on Broadway on July 25th, 1975. The production became an instant classic, becoming the longest running American musical in Broadway history.  Set at a chorus audition for a Broadway musical, A Chorus Line is the poignant tale of a group of actors hoping to win the role of a lifetime.  A powerful metaphor for all human aspiration, A Chorus Line is a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, the show features an electrifying score and stunning choreography. The production’s music is by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics are by Edward Kleban and its book is by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante.  A Chorus Line previews September 1st, opens September 8th, and runs through October 31st.

A Broadway classic that has captivated audiences for decades, The Music Man is the story of Harold Hill, a footloose con man who sets out to take advantage of the citizens of a small, turn-of-the-century Iowa town.  Claiming to be a professor of music, he plans to swindle the town into buying expensive equipment to start a band.  His scheme is moving along perfectly until he falls in love with the lovely local librarian, Marian. Inspired to change his ways, Harold decides on a hilarious last-ditch plan to redeem himself to the people of River City.  A joyful musical celebration for all ages, The Music Man features a book, music and lyrics by MerEdith Wilson.  The Music Man stars Chicagoland favorite Bernie Yvon as Harold Hill and will preview November 3rd, open November 10th and runs through January 9th, 2011.

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 $35.00 to $55.00, excluding tax and handling fees.  With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays or Thursdays, dinner is included at the King’s Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on dining availability).   Dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday may be added with prices ranging from $32 - $43 per person (includes tax).  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 visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

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