I have a personal rule when it comes to giving a standing ovation. While it has become a gesture that is incredibly common at the end of most productions, I believe that one shouldn’t stand unless they have enjoyed the show so much that they just can’t sit any longer.
If you ask my family, they can tell you that it is a rare occurrence to see me stand during a curtain call. I will hoot and clap as loudly as possible, but standing is only reserved for those shows that either give me goosebumps or make me cry. And the new production of Big Fish at the Marriott Theatre – which did both – got a huge standing ovation from me.
Based on the movie of Big Fish, which was released in 2003, this musical tells the story of Edward Bloom, a larger-than-life traveling salesman with fantastical stories, his son Will, who is expecting his first son and trying to find a way to connect with his father, and Sandra, Edward’s faithful wife and Will’s loving mother.
Throughout the story, the audience learns of various characters and happenings that include Edward’s first kiss with a mermaid, a witch telling him when he is going to die, and a giant that is scaring the whole town. Where does the truth lie and who is the man really? Those are the questions that Will wants to answer while his father is still around to be asked.
While the show introduces you to the story and the multitude of characters during the first act, the second act is where it digs in deep. With captivating songs like “The River Between Us” and “What’s Next,” you not only feel for Edward, Sandra, and Will, but you begin to think about the relationships in your own life.
We’ve all had times in our lives when we couldn’t connect with a loved one and the lyrics from Big Fish hit home. “He’s standing beside me, but not really there” from “The River Between Us” and “My father is a stranger I know very well” from “Stranger” are just a few of those moments where I wanted to congratulate the lyricist.
While the show itself is entertaining, has fun costumes, enjoyable songs, and a captivating story, the highlight of this production is the voices. Alexander Gemignani’s Edward Bloom, Heidi Kettenring’s Sandra, and Michael Kurowski’s Will make this version of Big Fish what it is. The supporting cast is excellent, and these three standouts are the real deal.
I am a sucker for powerful voices that are not only beautiful, but emotional and resonating, and each of these three performers had multiple moments where they deeply touched the audience. Between the silences, chuckles, sniffles, and energy in the theater, these performers are the kinds of actors and vocalists that one hopes to see.
This is my second time seeing Big Fish, and the first time was over 10 years ago before it went to Broadway. I remember enjoying the show but had decided that I didn’t need to see it again. Boy, was I wrong!
The Marriott production of Big Fish is packed with wondrous characters, a fun score, and incredible vocals. It’s a must-see that shouldn’t be missed!
Marriott Theatre: Big Fish Chicago Review – Big Fish is playing at Marriott Theatre through 3/19/2023. Tickets can be purchased through Goldstar or by calling (847) 634-0200. Marriott Theatre is located at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire.
I have to admit, I am a West Side Story loyalist. I was raised on the 1961 classic and wouldn’t be shocked to find out it was in my DNA. When I completed my graduate degree, West Side Story was the DVD that I played on repeat, needing something in the background to keep me company on those long nights of work and papers. I think it’s safe to say that I have watched the movie hundreds of times.
The stage, however, is a little different. Still the modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet with the same music as the movie, there are interesting alterations that can be done in the theatre.
West Side Story is a modern ballet full of passion, anger, and energy, all of which were communicated from the stage. And as much as one wants to discuss the acting, the costumes, the sets, and the voices, if this show doesn’t have a stellar orchestra and seamless dancing, it can’t succeed.
Jake David Smith and Lauren Maria Medina (a passionate Tony and lovable Maria respectively) carried the show well as leads. I’m hoping Mr. Smith will record his version of “Something’s Coming” so that we can all listen to it on repeat.
A few additional standouts were Marisa Fee as Anybodys (a scene stealer in the best of ways – the eye was drawn to her), Bret Tuomi as Glad Hand (absolutely hilarious, making me wish for the first time ever that the part was longer and had more lines), and Vanessa Aurora Sierra as Anita (feisty and affecting).
The last time I stepped foot into a musical theatre performance was on December 26, 2019. At the time I had no idea how long it would be until I got to see a live performance again, and because life got in the way, I wasn’t able to go to a show during the first few months of 2020.
As the two hired goons meant to collect a debt from Bill Calhoun, Lillian Castillo and Shea Coffman were hilarious and scene-stealing.
The greasers are back! When the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds descend onto a stage, you know that you’re in for some nostalgia. Marriott Theatre’s new production of Grease brings just that.
A story of young love, Sandy and Danny meet at the beach and spend a summer together. When school starts, they both assume they may never see each other again. After a setup by their friends, they find that they attend the same high-school. Can “summer Danny” be the same guy he was at the beach? And can “summer Sandy” be cool enough for the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds? Those are the questions that need to be answered.
“Those Magic Changes” is a fun song that is only sung in the play, not the movie. Performed by Doody (a charismatic Michael Kurowski) and the rest of the company, it is charming and swoon-worthy. “Mooning” is an adorable number sung by Roger and Jan (an endearingly hilarious Tiffany T. Taylor) that will give you the feels.
Then there is the Teen Angel. Pink Lady, Frenchy (a very cute Landree Fleming), wishes that she had a guardian angel to help guide her way – and he appears, along with his hair-roller-clad ensemble. Crooner Jonathan Butler-Duplessis struts onto the stage and entertains everyone as the Teen Angel – right down through the number encore. You’ll find yourself hooting at this one, believe me.
Overall, Grease is an entertaining show where each character gets a chance to highlight a little of their own world for the audience. You’ll leave with songs in your head and a smile on your face. A good time all around.
The Marriott production of Oliver! is great fun. There are 18 children in this show and approximately the same number of adults, so there is always something – and someone – to watch.
This show being a classic, it is one that many of us have seen before – whether it be the movie version or live. Myself being one of those people, I enjoyed watching the different takes each performer had on their character.
Lucy Godinez (with an incredible voice that alternatingly cuts like a knife, provides goosebumps – and sometimes both), plays Nancy as deeply pained and loyal, regardless of the cost. If Ms. Godinez ever decides to perform a musical version of the phone book, you will want to get tickets.
William Brown’s Fagin fascinates me the most. Often, Fagin is played in “Disney villain over-the-topness.” Even though the character quietly knows who he is and what he does, you often see him tenting his fingers or twisting his mustache between scenes.
In the end, it is ultimately the children that you can’t keep your eyes off of. Adorably led by Kai Edgar as Oliver (alternating with Kayden Koshelev), the kids are dirty, energetic, full of deviousness and fun.
If you plan to see a single show this year, make it Marriott Theatre’s hilarious new production of Something Rotten! Sharp and witty, with inuendo to spare, this show is two and a half hours of constant belly laughs.
Something Rotten! is the story of the Bottom brothers, two writers who are desperate to create a hit production. In a time where Shakespeare is a rock star and every other playright is seemingly second-rate, Nick Bottom consults Nostradamus (although, not the Nostradamus) for ideas. Based on his not-so-accurate visions of the future – and what would become “A Musical” – the brothers produce a show that would never be forgotten.
What’s better, the talent in the Marriott Theatre production is off the charts. Every single member of the cast is on-point, clearly enjoys what they are doing and has incredible performance skills. A few standouts are KJ Hippensteel as Nick Bottom (phenomenal), Cassie Slater as Bea (hilarious), Ross Lehman as Nostradomus (killer comedic timing), Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as the Minstrel (what a voice), and the scene stealing Sawyer Smith (in several smaller parts) who you won’t be able to stop watching.
If you are a fan of musicals, give yourself the gift of this show. With frequent nods to other popular musicals that you have likely seen or are familiar with, the references are are like little firecrackers of delight. This show loves and understands musicals in the same way you do, so sharing those inside jokes is a constant bonus.
When one thinks of musical theatre, there are certain staples that you expect. You expect a story that is driven by drama or comedy, characters that you may or may not like (but hope to find a connection with), and music that drives all of it forward. In Marriott Theatre’s new production of Darling Grenadine, in its Midwest premiere, we got some of that. There is both drama and comedy, a few characters that are endearing, and well performed musical pieces. The issue was the lack of connection.
Darling Grenadine is the story of Harry (played by Heath Saunders), a bar owner and composer, who meets and charms Louise (played by Katherine Thomas), an actress. The two develop a relationship with normal ups and downs until Louise gets wind of the fact that Harry is a struggling alcoholic. With more downs than ups, and doing her best to support him through a tragedy and family disfunction, their relationship finds its way to a conclusion that is ultimately best for both of them.
There are a total of five actors in this show, and each is a stellar performer. They work as a cohesive unit, with two (“Woman” played by Allison Sill and “Man” played by Brandon Springman) taking on all of the small roles throughout the piece (think customers, Louise’s co-stars in the play, a couple walking on the street, etc.) and the other three playing the leads. Nick Cosgrove (a standout) plays Harry’s brother and Louise’s confidante who helps to gel the pieces of story together.
One progressive choice in casting is Harry’s dog. Paul the dog is another character in the show, and a main character at that. Performed by Phillip Huber of The Huber Marionettes, Paul the dog is lifelike and magnetic in the way that living dogs are. He plays, jumps, drinks, and breathes just like a real dog. And while one first notices Mr. Huber as the marionettist on the stage, he quickly becomes less of the focus as Paul the dog integrates into the story. Mr. Huber’s black clothing, gloves, and brimmed hat, plus the fact that he keeps his eyes on Paul, leads the audience to also watch Paul. In a few short scenes, Paul the dog is just who he is – Harry’s trusty sidekick.
There are many intriguing aspects of Darling Grenadine that feel unique and risky. A serious story about an alcoholic and his downfalls isn’t your typical musical theater setting, but it works. Bits of Louise’s play performed intermittently throughout the show could have been a stretch, but it works. A marionette dog on stage? It works.
When you hear the title Footloose, many of you may be like me. You go back in time a little bit, envision Kevin Bacon with his Walkman and start singing in your head (or out loud!) “Everybody cut footloose, footloose. Kick off the Sunday shoes…” I know I’m not alone here.
Lucy Godinez (Ariel) had a singing voice that could cut through the silence like a knife – in the best way you can imagine. I would happily listen to her sing the phone book and likely ask her to do it again when she finished. Ariel’s three friends Rusty, Wendy Jo and Urleen (Monica Ramirez, Sara Reinecke, and Keirsten Hodgens respectively) were not only fun, but the actresses’ voices and harmonies were phenomenal. Then you had Ben Barker’s Willard who was fun comic relief with lots of personality.