Ryan T. Nelson

Video: Extended Highlights from CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 30, 2025

Get an extended first look at Marriott Theatre's Catch Me If You Can, the delightfully entertaining musical comedy based on the true story about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. JJ Niemann make his Marriott Theatre debut as the charming con artist, Frank Abagnale Jr.

GREAT COMET, Court Theatre, Shattered Globe, and More Take Home Equity Jeff Awards; Full List
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2025

The 57th Jeff Awards for Equity theater excellence were recently announced. Among the big winners this year were “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” (Writers Theatre), Court Theatre, Shattered Globe Theatre, and more!

Review: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at The Marriott Theatre is a Groovy, Far Out Nod to 60's Pop Culture
by James Lindhorst - Sep 4, 2025

Marriott Theater’s production of Catch Me If You Can works on every level. It is funny and ridiculously entertaining. The cast has immense chemistry, and their execution of the material is next level. It’s a Broadway quality production and is as close to musical theater perfection as a show can be. It could easily be transferred from Chicago to New York’s Circle in the Square as is, and it would likely outperform the original Broadway run. It is just that good. Stopping short of using the must see cliché that was mentioned earlier, its highly recommended that if you are within a five-hour drive of Chicago, that you buy a ticket, jump in your car, make the drive and see this absolute gem of a show. It will likely be the among the best musicals you will see this year.What did our critic think of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre?

Video: JJ Neimann in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 3, 2025

Get a first look at Marriott Theatre's Catch Me If You Can, the delightfully entertaining musical comedy based on the true story about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. JJ Niemann make his Marriott Theatre debut as the charming con artist, “Frank Abagnale Jr.”

Video: JJ Niemann in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2025

 Marriott Theatre is presenting Catch Me If You Can. JJ Niemann, who is currently starring as Charles Lee in Hamilton on Broadway is making his Marriott Theatre debut as the charming con artist, “Frank Abagnale Jr.” Get a first look here!

Video: JJ Neimann Leads CATCH ME IF YOU CAN In Rehearsals at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Aug 21, 2025

Go inside rehearsals for Marriott Theatre's Catch Me If You Can, the delightfully entertaining musical comedy based on the true story about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. JJ Niemann will make his Marriott Theatre debut as the charming con artist, “Frank Abagnale Jr.”

Photos: JJ Niemann and More in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Rehearsals at Marriott Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2025

Marriott Theatre will present Catch Me If You Can. JJ Niemann, who stars as Charles Lee in Hamilton on Broadway will make his Marriott Theatre debut as the charming con artist, “Frank Abagnale Jr.” See rehearsal photos here! 

Goodman Theatre, Paramount, and More Nominated For 2025 Equity Jeff Awards
by Stephi Wild - Aug 12, 2025

The Joseph Jefferson Awards will celebrate the 57th Anniversary of its Equity Theater Awards on Monday, September 29. Check out the full list of nominations here!

JJ Niemann to Star in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Marriott Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025

Marriott Theatre will present Catch Me If You Can, the delightfully entertaining musical comedy based on the true story about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. The production will star JJ Niemann. Learn more!

ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE... World Premiere is Coming to Mariott Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 21, 2025

For a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape, and head to Marriott Theatre as it continues its unforgettable 50th anniversary season with the world premiere of Always Something There…

Video: First Look at The Marriott Theatre's TITANIC
by Joshua Wright - Apr 22, 2025

Marriott Theatre continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson. Watch extended clips from the production.

Video: TITANIC THE MUSICAL At Marriott Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2025

Marriott Theatre continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson. Check out video highlights from the production below!

TITANIC THE MUSICAL Continues Marriott Theatre's 50th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2025

Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher (Marriott Theatre debut! Broadway: Beetlejuice; Off-Broadway: The Big Gay Jamboree, The Robber Bridegroom, Into the Woods; Beauty and The Beast, Disney’s Tale of Moana, Tangled) with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.

Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and More Take Home Equity Jeff Awards
by Stephi Wild - Oct 1, 2024

The winners have been announced for the 2024 Joseph Jefferson Equity Awards, more commonly known as the Equity Jeff Awards. These awards are given for theatre arts produced in the Chicago area.

Video: First Look at 1776 at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Aug 28, 2024

Get a first look at 1776, winner of multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical, at Marriot Theatre. The production opens on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30pm and runs through October 13, 2024 at Marriott Theatre. 

Photos: 1776 at the Marriot Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 17, 2024

Check out a first look at 1776 at Marriott Theatre in the photos here!

56th Jeff Awards Nominations Revealed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 6, 2024

The Jeff Awards revealed nominations for their 56th anniversary, celebrating excellence in Chicago's Equity theaters. Learn more!

1776 Hits The Marriot Theatre Stage This Election Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 31, 2024

Experience the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 at the Marriott Theatre this election season. Follow the compelling story of America's founding fathers as they debate and sign the Declaration of Independence.

Video: Watch The 'Janis Joplin Medley' & More from BEEHIVE THE 60'S MUSICAL at Marriott Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jul 10, 2024

Watch the cast of Marriott Theatre's rockin’ tribute to the music of the 1960s, BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL, performs the Janis Joplin Medley and more numbers from the show. Check out all new videos of the cast in action!

Photos: Inside Opening Night of BEEHIVE: THE 60'S MUSICAL at the Marriott Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jul 1, 2024

Marriott Theatre is now presenting BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL. Previews began on June 19, with an opening on Wednesday, June 26 at 7:30pm. The production will run through August 11, 2024. Check out photos from opening night here!