Displaying items by tag: Caron Buinis

Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener, Guys and Dolls. This delightful production is currently wowing audiences at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. With infectious tunes and clever lyrics by Frank Loesser, and a sharp script by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the show is skillfully directed by Sasha Gerritson. Add to that the vibrant choreography by Clayton Cross and the expert musical direction by Linda Madonia, and you've got a performance that's guaranteed to keep you coming back for more!

Guys and Dolls is a timeless musical comedy that transports audiences to the bustling streets of 1950s New York City. The plot centers around the dynamic lives of several characters, particularly Nathan Detroit, a gambler running an underground dice game, and his enduring fiancée, Miss Adelaide, a nightclub singer longing for Nathan to finally marry her. To fund his next game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson, a high-stakes gambler, that he can't charm Sarah Brown, a virtuous mission worker. Sky takes up the challenge, and through a series of delightful and engaging interactions, he gradually wins Sarah's heart.

As the story unfolds, the characters become woven into a rich tapestry of love, deceit, and redemption. Sarah uncovers Sky's original motives but forgives him as they both realize their deepening love for each other. Meanwhile, Nathan's efforts to keep his dice game hidden lead to a blend of comedic and thrilling situations. The musical reaches a heartwarming and joyous climax, with Nathan marrying Adelaide and Sky and Sarah starting a promising new chapter together. Featuring memorable songs, lively dance routines, and a touching storyline, Guys and Dolls remains a beloved and timeless treasure in the world of musical theatre.

This well-cast ensemble driven production has an array of bright and talented actors that make this such a memorable adventure. Callen Roberts finesses the role of Nathan Detroit to perfection - a gambler who runs an illegal dice game and is engaged to Miss Adelaide. Roberts truly embraces his fast-talking, hustling persona, transforming the character into one of the show's key anchors and a standout presence. Jeffrey Charles is spot on as Sky Masterson, the suave gambler who wagers he can charm Sarah Brown, while Kristin Brintnall steals the spotlight as Miss Adelaide, Nathan's fiancée. Her blend of comedic timing and stellar vocals brings the nightclub singer's longing for a settled life to life brilliantly. Cecilia Iole shines Sarah Brown, a mission worker who becomes the object of Sky's bet but eventually falls for him. Iole’s vocals are nothing short of spectacular. A round of applause also goes out to the rest of the ensemble, who contribute to making this musical the delightful experience it is meant to be. Andrew Freeland brings down the house as Big Julie, serving up some of the show’s biggest belly laughs. Shoutouts are also well-earned by Ian Reed, Carey Lovett, Caron Buinis, Bob Sanders, and Peter Ruger, who each bring their own flair to the stage. And let’s not forget the dazzling Hot Box Girls—Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Emily Holland, and Emma Jean Eastland—who light up the stage with their sensational moves. These ladies can really dance! The entire cast? Absolutely top-notch.

(L to R) Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Kristin Brintnall, Emily Holland and Emma Jean Eastland in GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works.

One of my absolute favorite things about the show was its incredible Times Square neighborhood set—it felt like you were right in the heart of the action! But what truly stole the spotlight was the eight-piece band playing up above for everyone to admire. Talk about a show-stopping touch! Equally impressive was how choreographer Clayton Cross utilized the stage space to accommodate such a large cast, creating a busy New York feel with heavy people traffic and such elaborate dance numbers.

Guys and Dolls is a must-see production that brings the vibrant streets of 1950s New York City to life with its captivating characters and delightful musical numbers. With unforgettable songs like "Luck Be a Lady," “A Bushel and a Peck,” and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," this show is guaranteed to have you tapping your toes and humming along. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic, humor, and heart of this timeless classic—it's a theatrical gem that promises an evening of pure entertainment!

This might be the first production of the year, but plenty of action lies ahead for Music Theater Works. The 45th season lineup also features the following upcoming shows: Fiddler on the Roof from August 7 to 17, Godspell from October 23 to November 16, and Annie from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Guys and Dolls is currently being performed at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie and runs through March 30^th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Highly Recommended!

Just in time for the season’s first snowfall and the holidays, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire serves up a delightful rockin’ adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, perfect for the entire family as its finale for the 2023 children’s theatre season.

Billed as the story that inspired the Disney megahit Frozen – indeed, there were many young audience members in full Elsa garb – the story follows the adventures of the brave, young Gerda, who is determined to find and rescue her best friend, Kai, who is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s winter palace.

The Snow Queen is one of Andersen’s most highly acclaimed fairy tales, with its timeless story of the struggle between good and evil. In this production, Andersen’s beloved tale is transformed into a musical, set to an original pop-rock score that has something for everyone’s musical tastes.

The story itself is a bit complicated. Struck in the eye and heart by the splinters of a mirror stolen from the Snow Queen and cursed by a malevolent troll, Kai forgets his friendship with Gerda and becomes cruel and mean-spirited. Undaunted by her beloved friend’s rejection, the intrepid Gerda begins her journey to reclaim her friend, which takes her into a magical world filled with singing flowers and a zany group of talking crows, a wicked witch, who casts a spell to trick Gerda into becoming her daughter, a kind-hearted prince and princess, a hard-rockin’ punk robber girl and mother, and more!

Whether the Frozen devotees were disappointed that their favorite princess, Anna, Olaf, or Kristoff, were not on stage (there is a talking reindeer!), it didn’t appear to be the case. The mostly under-ten audience paid rapt attention throughout the hour-long production.

While the staging was kept to a minimum, with scene changes accomplished through a well-placed prop (cleverly camouflaged alongside the Marriott Theatre’s signature circular stage) and through two video screens flanking the stage, the talented ensemble kept their young audience engaged through non-stop action onstage and foot-tapping music that ranged from soulful ballads to a dance-party beat to a homage to punk rock.

This was my first time seeing a production at Marriott Theatre as well as my seven-year-old granddaughter’s first live theatre performance. It is the perfect venue for introducing children to live theatre as the sightlines are good and the audience is close to the actors and action. There’s even a question-and-answer session after the performance with the actors to further educate the next generation of theatregoers.

The production comes to life under the sure-handed direction of Landree Fleming with music direction by Michael Mahler and choreography by Katie Johannigman. The ensemble of five actors works hard throughout the show with the majority playing multiple roles through a deft change of costume – a hat, a coat, change of shoes – or a change of accent.

Veteran Chicago actor Caron Buinis (who’s also appearing in Marriott Theatre’s production of the Carole King tribute musical Beautiful) is simply wonderful as Gerda’s grandmother, the wise woman of the North, the witch, and the robber mother. Also returning to Marriott Theatre stage is Jeremiah Alsop, who plays the troubled Kai, as well as the prince and a singing flower.

The ensemble is rounded out with three actors making their debuts at the Marriott. Ryan Stajmiger captivates the audience in his multiple roles as the troll, the reindeer, the rose, and the head crow, Reginald, which he hilariously portrays as a droll, but proper British soldier. Add to that Alanna Chavez, who dazzles as the Snow Queen (my granddaughter’s favorite character), but who also can rock as the lonely, punk-rocker robber girl.

But it is Joryhebel Ginorio, in her debut at Marriott, who shines as the loyal and devoted Gerda. Ginorio brings a sweet soulfulness to her portrayal of Gerda and charms the audience with her vocal versatility and range. She has a beautiful voice, and I, for one, hope that this will not be the last Ginorio will be heard on Chicago’s stages.

As with all proper fairy tales, love, goodness, and friendship triumphs in the end – to the delight of the audience. And who knows? Maybe the young Elsa fans in attendance have found another heroine in the kindness, bravery, and determination of young Gerda.

The Snow Queen provides families with the perfect holiday entertainment with shows on most Fridays through Sundays at 10 am through Dec. 31. There are select 12:30 pm performances and plenty of holiday week performances scheduled.