Eloise Marie Valadez Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Post by guest blogger Eloise Valadez.

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary season. The Andrew Lloyd Webber hit musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opened this monumental season and the show continues through March 30.

Courtesy of the Marriott Theatre.

The storyline in “Joseph” relays the biblical story of the young dreamer who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph is his father’s favorite son and his brothers constantly have it in for him. But by the end of the production the tables are turned with the brothers begging to be forgiven by Joseph. The message in this musical not only revolves around dreams but themes of courage, loyalty and forgiveness.

Starring as Joseph is Devin DeSantis with Kaitlyn Davis as the Narrator and Lorenzo Rush Jr. as the Elvis-like Pharoah.

The strong cast of this production of “Joseph” moves this charming musical along at a swiftly moving pace. The production is a winner with engaging musical numbers and much humor. Songs such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door” are highlighted.

In addition to the show, Marriott Theatre has debuted themed meals for each of the shows this season. The meals will be featured in the property’s Three Embers Restaurant. Currently, the eatery is known as Joseph’s Dream Grill, featuring items such as Nile Red Lentil Soup, Joseph’s Beef Schwarma and Pharoah’s Memphis Style BBQ Pizza. For more information on the restaurant, call 847-634-0100.

FYI: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues to March 30 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

Guest post by Eloise Marie Valadez.

Fans of magic, music and fascinating illusions will want to take a seat at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre this weekend.

The talents of illusionist and Las Vegas headliner Xavier Mortimer will be on display there in “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Illusion” on March 21 through March 23. The performer said he’s excited to bring his new show to The Windy City.

“It’s going to be my first time performing in Chicago,” Mortimer said. The illusionist, who has been performing in Vegas for 10 years, said he looks forward to touring with his show.

“It’s very exciting for me to discover new cities and meet new people,” he said about touring. Mortimer’s show features a blend of magical entertainment. Mortimer called his production a highly “visual” magic show with grand illusions as well as storytelling elements.

“This. Is a show for everyone, from 5 to any age,” he said.

Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago.

Mortimer, who starred in Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: One,” said he co-composed much of the music in his magic show. The illusionist also has a background in acrobatics and dance.

He said he enjoyed working in the Jackson Cirque show, which was the project that initially brought him to Vegas. Mortimer, who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” has a popular social media presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

“It was an amazing experience to be part of a huge production in Vegas,” he said of the Michael Jackson show.

Mortimer said he was fascinated by magic while growing up in the south of France.

“I love magic. I’m passionate about any performance art,” he said.

“Magic is like music…there are no language barriers,” Mortimer said.

Mortimer said he is inspired by the talents of Charlie Chaplin when creating magic acts and illusions. He describes Chaplin as having had an amazing storytelling ability that allowed him to draw people in.

“I try to bring people into my world the way he did,” Mortimer said.

FYI: “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic” runs March 21 to 23 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $115. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.