Tag: Lincolnshire

‘Always Something There’ offers fun ’80s soundtrack at Marriott Theatre

Entertainment, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

If you’d like to take a trip back in time, secure a ticket to Marriott Theatre’s “Always Something There.”

The world premiere jukebox musical, written by Sandy Rustin, continues through Aug. 10 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. This lively show is part of Marriott Theatre’s 50th anniversary season.

“Always Something There” tells the story of Samantha Craig, who wakes up at the beginning of her 45th year in her 18-year-old teen body and is given the opportunity to change her life, take different paths and make different choices if she chooses.

The story unfolds amidst a musical backdrop of songs from the 1980s. Heidi Kettenring portrays adult Samantha while Christina Priestner stars as teen Samantha. Both actors provide strong performances with both displaying powerful vocals. Also starring in the show are Marina Jansen as Camelia, Ian Coursey as Cooper, Ty Shay as Johnny, Matthew Hommel as Winston and others.

“Always Something There,” which is directed by James Vasquez, features choreography by Tyler Hanes. Among highlighted musical numbers are “Only In My Dreams,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Talk to Me,” “We  Got the Beat” and more.

In conjunction with the play, Marriott Theatre is presenting a special pop-up dining experience at its Three Embers Restaurant. The menu for the Back to the Grill experience stars items such as Loco-Motion Taco Salad, Shattered Onion Soup, We Got the Bleu (Chicken Cordon Bleu) and Always Something Braised (Pulled Lamb Shank).

For more information on the show and special menu, visit MarriottTheatre.com.

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.

Rousing performance of ‘Joseph’ enlivens Marriott Theatre stage in Lincolnshire

Chicagoland Area, Theater

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.

Photo courtesy of the Marriott Theatre.

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.