Marriott Theatre’s ‘Always Something There…’ Is Wicked Rad

The new 80s musical Always Something There… is hilariously funny, full of references to the decade, and brimming with excellent music that you know. This is the world premiere – don’t miss it!

Having been born in the 1970s, 80s pop culture was always my jam. It is the music of my childhood and, whether I like it or not, the lyrics all live in the recesses of my brain. Madonna, Debbie Gibson, Journey – I had the records and, later, the tapes. Back To The Future, Say Anything, The Breakfast Club – I can quote them all. And I know it’s not just me! Luckily for all of us, we finally have a musical that brings forward the best of the decade.

Always Something There… is a jukebox musical at Marriott Theatre about Samantha, a grown woman celebrating her 45th birthday alone in a hotel, and on the verge of a divorce. When she makes a wish for a different life, she suddenly finds herself back in high school, dating her jock boyfriend, and surrounded by the friends that she’s lost. Now a teenager again, she can choose to follow the same path or make different choices with maturity and hindsight (even though she’s in her teen body).

This charming and engaging show (similar in concept to Peggy Sue Got Married) is laugh-out-loud hilarious and incredibly likeable. With songs that you still hear on the radio, like “Eye of the Tiger,” “Borderline,” and “Karma Chameleon,” the toughest part of watching this is not bursting into song along with the performers.

While there is a love triangle in the show, my favorite theme centers around Samantha herself. She begins the show as a weak and miserable woman, but quickly discovers all the things she didn’t realize when she had the power to make different choices from the beginning. She actually sings the song “The Search Is Over” (generally a love song) to herself – Adult Samantha and Teen Samantha together. It’s a lovely moment.

Always Something There… glorifies the 80s in all of the best ways, always bringing in new quotes or symbols for a momentary laugh. Think Care Bears, “Thriller” dance movies, Phil Donahue, the Bedazzler, the Ouija Board, and the yin-yang along with at least 100 more references. One of the characters is even named Duckie.

The sets are minimal, with excellent white cage-like towers that serve as lockers, benches, and various structures to move behind. The white absorbs color from the lights above, so you suddenly find them purple or blue to change the mood of the scene. A great effect.

Starring the incomparable Heidi Kettenring as Adult Samantha and Christina Priestner (a phenomenal voice) as Teen Samantha, the show is packed with talent in both vocals and choreography. A few scene stealers (Matthew Hommel, Logan Becker, and Genevieve Corkery) own many of the funniest moments, but the entire cast gets great lines and situations.

I can’t recommend this show highly enough, particularly if you are at all familiar with the 80s. That said, my 16 year-old daughter joined me for the show and she loved it as well. It truly is for all ages.

Before heading to the show, stop by the Marriott pop-up restaurant, Back To The Grill at Three Embers. Decorated with album covers like Madonna and Devo along with movie posters and other 80s knick-knacks, there is some delicious food to have for dinner. I loved the Corn This Way, which was corn risotto with tomato and avocado relish and broccolini. My daughter was partial to the Whip It (Into Casserole), which was citrus crusted tuna with cremini mac and cheese. Very creamy dishes with lots of flavor.

Always Something There… is a new 80s musical and this is the world premiere. Make sure to buy your tickets now, you really don’t want to miss it!

Always Something There… runs for approximately 2 hours including one 15-minute intermission. This show is rated for all ages.

Marriott Theatre: Always Something There… – Always Something There… is playing at Marriott Theatre through 8/10/2025. Tickets can be purchased through the Marriott Theatre website or by calling (847) 634-0200. Marriott Theatre is located at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, IL.