Displaying items by tag: Ryan T Nelson

It’s time to go back to high school – for a couple hours anyway – and the year is 1959. The time for slicked back hair with full-on pompadours, bobby socks with pleated knee length skirts and hanging out at the malt shop have once again returned as Marriott Theatre has begun 2020 on a strong note bringing the classic rock and roll musical ‘Grease’ to the stage. And though maybe not quite the R-rated, profanity-laced production that first hit Chicago when it was initially produced in 1971 by the Kingston Mines Theater Company in Chicago, there is still enough teenage-driven attitude, raunchiness and high school spirit to successfully deliver the spirit of the original. 

The story, which is based on co-writer and co-composer Jim Jacobs’ own experiences at Taft High School in Norwood Park, takes place at ‘Rydell High,’ walks us through the senior year of a handful of colorful characters. Greaser Danny Zuko (Jimmy Nicholas) returns after summer break to lead the T-Birds while, at the same time, Sandy Dumbrowski (Leryn Turlington) is just getting her feet wet at Rydell, a brand-new student whose family just moved to the area. It turns out the two had a relationship over the summer while on vacation, but their stories couldn’t be more different. While too-cool-for-school Danny tells a more vulgar description to impress the gang where the two were “getting friendly down in the sand,” Sandy, intercepted by the Pink Ladies led by tough and sassy Betty Rizzo (Jacquelyne Jones) a.k.a. “Rizzo,” tells the girls a wholesome version more along the lines of meeting a cute boy, holding hands, having lemonade and staying out until 10 o’clock. Thus, explained to perfection in the show’s second number “Summer Nights”.   

Not long after, the two are beyond surprised to find out they are attending the same school, but Danny’s cool image that he holds so dearly might just get in the way of rekindling any kind of romance they once had. While centering on Danny and Sandy, ‘Grease’ also keeps us busy with plenty of T-Birds and Pink Ladies action. Danny’s second in command, Kenickie (Kevin Corbett) is building a hot rod the fellas call “Greased Lightning”. It’s a hunk of junk, but he can dream. T-Birds Sonny LaTierri (Jack Cahill-Lemme), Roger (Jake Elkins) and Doody (Michael Kuroswki) cause trouble whenever they can, talk about rumbling with other gangs (they don’t) and just love to horse around any chance they get. 

The Rizzo-led Pink Ladies take Sandy in. She’s far too squeaky clean for their taste but maybe a pajama party with booze, cigarettes and ear-piercings might loosen her up. Frenchy (Landree Fleming) wants to be a beautician and drops out of high school, Marty (Michaelle Lauto) crushes on TV dance host Vince Fontaine (Curt Bouril) and Jan (Tiffany Taylor) has the hots for Roger, a T-Bird who really loves mooning people. 

There are plenty of ups and downs along the way for these seniors and plenty of unforgettable moments take place. Director Scott Weinstein not only does a fantastic job at staging this production in the round, he gives the audience what we want most of all – a nearly flawless recreation of the hit show so many of us grew up with. William Carlos Angulo beautifully choreographs the dance numbers to Ryan T. Nelson’s musical direction, particularly in “Greased Lightnin’” and “Born to Hand Jive” and the casting is just superb. Jimmy Nicholas brings the looks, the cool and the comedic timing to pull off an admirable Danny Zuko, while Leryn Turlington delivers the sweetness and innocence (and toughness at times) needed to play Sandy. Turlington also impresses vocally, especially in the key number “Hopelessly Devoted to You”. As good as Nicholas is as Danny, you can’t have a convincing leader of the T-Birds without strong support from his gang and Corbett, Cahill-Lemme, Elkins and Kurowski are simply terrific. Each have plenty of their own moments to shine, but when together, it’s not hard to imagine these goofballs being the best of friends.

Equally impressive is the chemistry and individual acting chops of our Pink Ladies. While Jones truly does stand out in this production (her rendition of “There are Worse Things I Could Do” – wow!), Fleming has plenty of laugh out loud moments as Frenchy while Lauto and Taylor have their own scene-stealing moments. 

Garrett Lutz also makes a funny Eugene and Kelly Anne Clarke is solid as Miss Lynch, but it is Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as Teen Angel who, though not as featured as the rest of the cast, might just leave the audience with the biggest impression of all after his show-stopping performance of “Beauty School Dropout”. 

‘Grease’ is a hit for good reason. What took off from a small Chicago theater company, made its mark on Broadway (16th longest run in history) and inspired a 1978 mega-hit starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, has now become an iconic part of pop culture. It is a story that so many of us can relate to, no matter when we went to high school.  From real teenage moments and hysterical antics throughout from the show’s many lively characters to well-executed song and dance numbers that keep your toes tapping, Marriott Theatre’s ‘Grease’ successfully keeps the classic musical alive in their own unique way while holding onto the integrity of the show. 

The arsenal of great songs is plenty and includes such familiar tracks as “We Go Together,” “You’re the One the I Want,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee” and “Alone at a Drive-In Movie.” 

Highly recommended for those who enjoy laughing and listening to catchy music. 

‘Grease’ is being performed at Marriott Theatre through March 15th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.MarriottTheatre.com. 

Marriott Theatre brings yet another high-energy, song and dance production to its audience, this time mounting the regional premiere of ‘Holiday Inn’, a sentimental musical based on the 1942 film of the same name featuring the music of Irving Berlin and starring such great as Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Denis Jones and musically directed by Jeff Award winning Ryan T. Nelson, ‘Holiday Inn’ might just be one of Marriott’s greatest triumphs over the past few years.

“I am completely elated to revisit my work from the Broadway production of ‘Holiday Inn’ at the Marriott Theatre,” says Jones. It’s an honor to celebrate some of the greatest works of Irving Berlin and join forces with some of the most talented actors in theatre. With mesmerizing costumes and equally enthralling performances, audiences will leave with a few holiday surprises and a whole lot of holiday spirit.”

And though classics such as “White Christmas”, “Easter Parade”, “Blue Skies”, “Heat Wave”, “Be Careful, It’s my Heart” and “Shaking the Blues Away” are performed to perfection, it is the dance numbers in this production that truly steal the audience’s breath.

Jim Hardy (Michael Mahler) and Ted Hanvover (Will Burton) are best friends. The two entertainers have found a tremendous amount of success in New York as a song and dance trio that also stars Lila Dixon (Kimberly Immanuel). Lila and Jim are also quite the item and Jim wants nothing more to marry her. But the New York scene has run its course with Jim, so he also wants to hang up his tap shoes and take to the country. He proposes to his Lila, who accepts, and then shows her the deed to a farmhouse in Connecticut that he has just purchased in the hopes she would also want to give up show biz for a quiet life in the country. So, maybe he should have discussed such a major decision with Lila prior to making such a large purchase. When the three are offered a six-month touring engagement, Lila breaks Jim’s heart and hits the road with Ted. So it’s off to the country, alone, for Jim.

Dejected, Jim soon arrives at his newly purchased farmhouse ranch only to find Louise (Marya Grandy), a self-proclaimed “fixit man”, kind of comes with the house. In exchange for room and board, Louise will tend to the farmhouse but her title of “fixit man” extends much beyond the home itself. It isn’t long before the daughter of the previous owners, Linda Mason (Johanna McKenzie Miller), stops by to pick up some of the things that were left behind when the farmhouse was foreclosed upon. It isn’t long before a friendship develops and perhaps a spark ignites between them. It also isn’t long before Jim realizes farming might not be for him and longs for the stage again. And, as it turns out, Linda just so happens to have some performing experience of her own. But why go back to New York when you can bring New York to you? Just after Jim gets a surprise visit from a large group of performing friends, he comes up with the idea of turning the farmhouse into an entertainment getaway. After all, he’s got the floor space and plenty of rooms for guests. When his performer friends cannot commit to regular shows because of their own hectic schedules, it is decided shows will only be staged over the holidays – thus, ‘Holiday Inn’.

As chemistry builds between Jim and Linda, a drunken Ted reappears during opening night who briefly dances with Linda and soon has his sights on her as his new dance partner since Lila has left him for a Texas millionaire. Jim quickly finds himself in a similar situation, so we can only hope things will turn out differently for the all-around nice guy who may have found love once again.

‘Holiday Inn’ is filled with big, spirited dance numbers that are pure visual delights and the highlights are many. Will Burton’s recreation of Astaire’s “Let’s Say it with Firecrackers” is certainly one of them as he brilliantly taps his way around the stage with a bang – several bangs in fact. Johanna McKenzie Miller also leaves a strong impression, beautifully showcasing her amazing voice in such songs as “Nothing More to Say” and “White Christmas”. And throughout the talented dancing and singing offered in this production, Marya Grandy balances out the show with her incredibly funny performance as Louise, adding plenty of laugh out loud moments. A world-class ensemble that includes the familiar faces of Joe Capstick, Adam LaSalle, Laura Savage and Alejandro Fonseca pushes this musical into overdrive, while Lorenzo Rush Jr. as agent Danny Reed is a pleasure to watch in every scene he graces and child actor Patrick Scott McDermott also adds several moments of well-delivered humor.

Marriott Theatre presents a gem of a holiday treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. ‘Holiday Inn’ runs through January 6th and is highly recommended. For tickets and/or more show information visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

One of the world’s most popular musicals has found a temporary home at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. And you should see it! Celebrating five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the 1964 hit takes on a most interesting chapter in the life of Don Quixote while spending time in prison as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. Based on one of 17th century Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes’ most famed characters the 1959 teleplay I, Don Quixote set the stage for what has become one of the most successful musicals to date. Often referred to as a play within a play, Man of La Mancha focuses on Quixote, an imprisoned writer who has turned away from the harsh realities of the world such as battle, crime and poverty and decides rather to view the world as he wants to see it where a prostitute, Aldonza, can instead be a his beloved Dulcinea, a battered cane can be a mighty sword or a cooking pot can be a prized helmet – a victorious trophy. 

Music Director Ryan T. Nelson and six-time Jeff Award director Nick Bowling take on this long-time prolific musical, splendidly piecing together a production that engages throughout and profoundly touches the heart. It is together with the powerhouse acting performance of Nathaniel Stampley, that this production goes over and beyond, becoming an instant Marriott classic and a show that will long be remembered for its superb acting and gripping storytelling. Stampley brilliantly seizes the lead role, which is really two leading roles, as the passionate writer who has defied the Spanish Inquisition along with the imaginary knight he has become in his imagination. 

Stampley is an actor you can easily root for. Magnetic and captivating, Stampley is a tour de force, capturing the character’s subtleties while becoming a dominating presence when called for, particularly during his breathtaking rendition of the production’s famed song “The Impossible Dream”, which led to a much deserved extended applause that only escalated to a higher volume every time the cheers began to die down.  

Stampley gets solid support from actress Danni Smith who delivers a memorable performance of her own, the two skillfully playing off each other to generate the much needed connection to make this show work. Richard Ruiz is also excellent as Quixote's trusty sidekick, Sancho. As all Marriott shows go, we are treated to a very gifted ensemble, as well. 

Director Nick Bowling does add a twist to the original by having the story take place in modern times. Simply said, it works. As Bowling explains, “We put the story in modern day with the notion that there are inquiries still going today and there will always be inquisitions.” Bowling’s underlying tones are powerful and serve as a wake up call for some while everyone can still enjoy a masterful musical that can be as heartwarming as it can sad and often humorous in just the right spots. 

Wonderfully acted with a slew of talented vocal performances, Man of La Mancha is a sure summer hit that is sure to make theatre goers cheer, feel and emphasize with and for a man who dares to dream the impossible dream and fight the unbeatable foe. 

Man of La Mancha is being performed at Marriott Theatre through August 14th. Tickets range from $50-$55. For more show information visit www.marriotttheatre.com.               

Every time I think the talented cast of players and directors performing at Marriott Theatre’s intimate theatre in the round have done the very best they can, they top themselves again.

This production of the deliciously classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a spunky, intelligent teacher who is recruited from England to teach the children of an arrogant but struggling King of Siam directed with precision and compassion by Nick Bowles was hands down the finest, most soaring yet intimate production of “The King and I” that I have seen in years.

Heidi Kettenring as the show’s star in Anna has more than a fine singing voice for the piece. Kettenring infuses the character with humor, strength, compassion and a feminist fury which reaches its peak of expression in the hilarious and still modern song, “Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?”

“All 
to remind you of your royalty,
I find a most disgusting exhibition.
I wouldn't ask a Siamese cat
to demonstrate his loyalty
by taking this ridiculous position
how would you like it if you were a man
playing the part of a toad.
Crawling around on your elbows and knees.
Eating the dust of the road!...”

New York actor Andrew Ramcharan Guilarte, does a wonderful, sexy and layered performance as the King, never falling into predictable caricature.  Guillarte is a little bit younger than the King is normally played and it makes perfect sense that his character is both falling in love with the educated and mature teacher Anna and also confused by his growing sense of bewilderment at her grasp of political situations that improve the destiny of his own family and finally, his entire Kingdom.

The romantic and sexual chemistry between Kettenring and Guillarte is absolutely dynamite and had the entire audience breathlessly watching each explosive scene between this talented pair.

There is a very funny, yet revealing scene where the King is insisting that Anna’s head never be higher than his own. The King asks Anna to take dictation for an important letter to a visiting dignitary and sits down on the floor. When Anna finally sits down on the floor, the King moves to recline on one elbow and so forth till they are both completely reclining on the floor. Although, it is really a nonsensical demonstration of his manly power, Kettenring and Guillarte manage to make it a funny and sexy “shades of gray” type dance between two people who are each unaware they are falling in love with the other.

I am happy to see that almost all of the roles for the children and wives and concubines of Siam were filled by actors with a variety of different ethnicities. The children in this production are completely delightful to watch from beginning to end. Matthew Uzarraga, who plays the boy who would be King, does a fantastic job bringing his little tyrannical boy to life and when at the end of the show he pronounces that “excessive bowing to the King like a toad” is now forbidden, you really believe this child has learned something major from his now beloved teacher and friend Anna.

Kristen Choi as Lady Thiang knocks it out of the park with her stunning rendition of “Something Wonderful” and Joseph Anthony Foranda is a wise, organic presence. Shirtless like the King, he pulls off the role with quiet sensuality and power as the aging prime minister to the King Kralahome.

Nancy Missimi went all out with the costumes in this piece and I most enjoyed her costumes on the wives, children and concubines of the King. Their dance numbers were wonderfully choreographed by Tommy Rapley and together with Ms. Missimi’s costumes and Tom Ryan's royally glowing set design, the dance numbers reminded me of barefoot dancing flowers, like multicolored orchids and floating water lilies come to life onstage.

I get totally spoiled when seeing a well performed Rodgers and Hammerstein musical because the lyrics for every song are so unique and memorable. “We Kiss in a Shadow” was beautifully sung by Megan Masako Haley as the King’s unwilling young captive, Tuptim, who is in love with another.

“To kiss in the sunlight
and say to the sky:
"Behold and believe what you see!
Behold how my lover loves me!"

And Devin Law as Lun Tha , Tuptim’s secret lover, also performed the classic “I Have Dreamed” to perfection.

“I have dreamed that your arms are lovely
I have dreamed what a joy you'll be
I have dreamed every word you whisper

When you're close, close to me
how you look in the glow of evening
I have dreamed and enjoyed the view

In these dreams, I've loved you so
That by now I think, I know
what it's like to be loved by you
I will love being loved by you”

I can’t speak highly enough about how all of the elements in this production came together to create such an educational, yet romantic,  touching and funny evening of pure  theatrical delight, including the  fantastic, organic choreography by Tommy Rapley and Ryan T. Nelson’s exquisitely detailed musical direction.

Take your children and your grandparents, or even your first date to ‘The King and I” at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire with confidence that you will all equally enjoy a magical night of classic entertainment performed at peak quality for modern times.

For more show information, visit www.marriotttheatre.com.