**** Over the past 20 plus years, I have been in a position to have young kids to bring to the theater for children. As my grandkids grew up, we began to no longer have shows where they would either want to view or had the time to do. I am one lucky guy though because my son and daughter-in-law are Godparents to many who are just the right age for most of the theater being brought to Chicago. I truly appreciate Anna and her brother Jack. I also must include their mom and dad for bring the transport to the different venues. Today we were at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire for “Arthur & Friends Make a Musical” based on the books by Marc Brown. This musical has a book and lyrics by John Maclay and music and other lyrics by Brett Ryback. I was not familiar with the book series, but luckily for me, Anna and jack were ( surprisingly, mom Fallon was as well).
The production, which runs about 64 minutes without an intermission is directed and choreographed by Tommy Rivera on the in-the-round stage at Marriott. While this is often a challenge, Marriott and its staff have always found the perfect way to present their shows, allowing great sight lines for viewers of all ages. Let’s face it, little ones ( and often grandparents as well) can drift off. This show, even though there are a few slow spots, doesn’t allow for that. The show is all about embracing who you are and feeling secure with one’s self. This is a great lesson and the story, which is all about a school project of doing a musical variety show gets each of the characters to think about stories and in doing so, Arthur (Winter Olamina) discovers that being himself and knowing who he is is far more important than the crazy story he wanted to write.
Most of this cast are new to Marriott Theatre. I recognized a few, and it is great that this theater continues to find young talent to grace their stage. I have been attending this venue even before it was Marriott ( the original venue was Drury Lane North, and they did non-musicals) and have watched a great many performers get their start on this stage. Let’s welcome these actors as well: The teacher, Mr. Ratburn ( Ron King) , classmates DW ( Joryhabel Ginorio), Buster ( Garret Lutz), Francine (Danielle A. Davis, who also plays Mom), Muffy ( Arwen-Vira Marsh), and Brain (Andres Enriquez, who also plays Dad). They were all terrific and each one had their own shining moment.
Theatre for Children at Marriott has always been a solid experience for my grandkids as well as the “rent-a-kids” that I have enlisted over the years. After the finale, the actors take to the stage and for 10-15 minutes there is a question and answer period so that they can ask about things they just saw. Questions range from how hard was it to learn the dance? to “did you really kiss”? and almost everything between. The cast also mentions the backstage people who make the fantasy a reality.
Here is what my guests had to say:
Anna and Jack really enjoyed Arthur and Friends make a Musical. This is the 5th play we have seen at the Marriott Theater and every time I’m amazed at how they transform the space for each performance. It’s a small stage but they make the most of it with 360 degrees of lights, wheel-able props and decorations that drop down from the ceiling. The kids all over the theater especially enjoyed bubbles at the end of the show.
Jack (three years old) talked about Arthur’s dog for the entire car ride home. It was a funny addition to the cast that the kids seemed to all enjoy. He also clapped and cheered when Muffy’s dress was torn away to reveal a sequin dress underneath.
Anna (seven years old) most enjoyed Buster’s song about Ulysses Napoleon Baggypants. It was a very funny part of the show, especially in the end when they waved a flag of baggy pants.
I most enjoyed Francine’s monologue about Elmwood City and how they can celebrate what makes it great while also admitting that there is room to make it better. She talked about achieving gender equality for elected officials (they’ve only ever had a male mayor) and how until every child is fed, they have work to do. These themes circled back in the final song and I thought it was a great message said in a way for young children to understand.
Overall it was a great show that all three of us enjoyed and we would definitely recommend to families with young children! Especially fans of Arthur and Friends.
“Arthur & Friends Make a Musical” will continue thru August 10th with performances as follows:
SPECIAL Wednesday July 23rd 10:00am
REGULAR
Thursdays 10:00am Fridays 10:00am
Saturdays 10:00am & 12:30pm
Sundays 10:00am
ON AUGUST 10TH AT 10 A.M. there will be an asl-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
Show Type: Childrens/Family
Box Office: 847-634-0200
Marriott Theatre is located in Lincolnshire at 10 Marriott Drive ( just East of Route 21/Milwaukee Avenue and South of Route 22/Half Day Road)
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up ( or Children’s Plays) and click at “Arthur & Friends Make a Musical”.
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