Marriott Theatre to Celebrate the Life of Former Artistic Director Dyanne Earley, 8/11

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 11, 2014 honoring the life and work of former Marriott Theatre Artistic Director Dyanne Kathleen Earley. The event will be held at Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL from 6:30 to 10 PM.

A brief performance featuring Musical Director Kevin Stites, singers Kevin Earley, Dave Earley, Felicia Fields, and Alene Robertson, and speakers from Dyanne's personal and professional life will begin at 7:30 PM.

Dyanne Earley retired in 2001 as the Artistic Director of the Marriott Theatre; a title she had held since 1980. She was with the company for 25 years, working her way up from the box office. During her tenure at The Marriott, she directed countless productions, including THE FIRST, MY FAIR LADY, WINDY CITY, and MISS SAIGON (garnering Joseph Jefferson Nominations for Best Direction of a Musical for each of them). She holds the distinction of being the first woman to be nominated for direction of a musical by the Jeff committee. She also had a passion for producing and directing new musicals, writing children's theatre, and is credited with launching some of the biggest names in Chicago theatre.

"Dyanne was the driving force behind the new works that we did," said Terry James, the current executive producer of the Marriott. "That was one of her passions. She also really championed musicals for children. Hundreds of thousands of kids were introduced to theater as a result. That will be a lasting legacy." -- Quote from Chicago Tribune article, July 28, 2014

In lieu of flowers, Dyanne asked that contributions be made to the Byron Grant Musical Theatre Scholarship Fund at Webster University. Checks may be made to Webster University with "Byron Grant Scholarship" in the memo line and brought directly to the memorial service. Checks may also be sent to: Ron Gibbs, Development Officer, Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119.

For more information, visit dyanneearley.com.

Pictured: Dyanne Earley directing a rehearsal of the new work THE FIRST, about Jackie Robinson, in 1993.