Author: Colin Douglas
Hitting All the High Notes
Falsettos
You may want to take a deep hit of oxygen before the manic opening musical number of this show. Why? Well, the clever patter song that introduces the main characters hits all the high notes, and might leave you breathless, with its lightning-paced lyrics and waves of emotion. And that’s just in Act I. Then, get ready for the racing roller coaster ride that’s Act II. This show packs more concerning the human condition into its first hour than in any play in recent memory. It’s peopled with seven realistic, multilayered characters who (like many of us) are continually dissatisfied with their lives for various reasons. The musical is tightly packed with 37 songs, a number of finely choreographed interludes, a countless subtle scenic changes and a tsunami of emotions.
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It’s My Thing!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Who’s the writer that, in 2003, the New York Times Book Review called “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far”? Why none other than children’s author Mo Willems. The native of Des Plaines, IL has a huge following. Just ask any children’s librarian or schoolteacher, or visit the children’s department of your favorite bookstore. They’ll confirm this fact. The preschool-through-third grade set simply adore Willems’ funny and often fact-filled stories, and they know all his many books and characters by heart. Mo Willems’ works include several much-loved series of books, including the Knuffle Bunny series, the Elephant and Piggie series, the Cat series, and a whole lot of additional standalone titles.
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Blooming With Love
The Secret Garden
This magical musical story, adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s classic, warms the heart of everyone who experiences it. It’s a Gothic ghost story that absolutely blooms with love. And Theo Ubique’s production of this beloved musical, a show not seen in Chicagoland in many years, illustrates its timelessness. Not only was THE SECRET GARDEN a popular and critical success in its Broadway premier, playing over 700 performances back in 1991, but every touring, regional and amateur production of it is a guaranteed hit.
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Broadway Baby
Dames at Sea
When you arrive at the Citadel Theatre, you might want to just check your cares at the door. Then settle in for a tuneful, fast-paced couple of hours of bubbly bliss. This fun, flashy and magical musical comedy is a show that, I’m guessing, few audiences have even heard of, let alone enjoyed. But, despite it not having a Christmas or Hanukkah setting, this musical is the perfect show to put theatergoers in a festive, holiday mood. Get ready to meet a bonafide “Broadway Baby”.
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Die Hard Critics
Yippee Ki Yay
The 1988 testosterone-filled action film “Die Hard” has, over the years, become a cult Christmas classic. The reason is that the movie, which starred Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov and Bonnie Bedelia, is set on Christmas Eve. During a holiday party at a corporate high-rise, NYPD Detective John McClane visits his estranged wife, Holly. She holds a high-level position with the fictional Los Angeles-based Nakatomi Corporation. During McClane’s visit, however, a German radical named Hans Gruber and his diabolical and heavily-armed gang break into the building to steal a fortune. The terrorists take everyone hostage and, when denied the combination to the safe, they begin violently killing everyone at the party. Merry Christmas!
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Fathoms Below
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
In 1989, the Walt Disney Studios released a delightful, uniquely imaginative and wonderfully entertaining animated musical film that was a creative reimagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. The story told about a young mermaid who falls in love with a human being, who also happens to be a prince. Desperate to win the young man’s love, the little mermaid makes a Faustian bargain with the sea witch, trading her lovely voice and fish tail for legs so that she can leave her life “Fathoms Below” and live in the world above the sea.
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Ribald, Raunchy and Risque
Throbbin’ Wood
Back in 1883 American artist and author Howard Pyle wrote a book that became popular with children and adults alike. He entitled his episodic novel The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. It was compiled from dozens of medieval ballads about an outlaw who robbed from the rich to give to the poor. The English folk hero was said to have lived, along with his band of Merry Men, near Nottingham in Sherwood Forest. Each chapter of the book recounted a different adventure, such as how Little John defeated Robin in a wooden staff fight, how the portly Friar Tuck bested the outlaw and how Robin welcomed balladeer Allan a Dale, and the others, into his fold. While good King Richard the Lionhearted was away at the Crusades, Robin and his men fought against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, who reined in terror and overtaxed the peasants. Eventually the King returned to his homeland, pardoned Robin of Loxley and gave his blessing for Robin’s marriage to his niece, Maid Marian.
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A Blizzard of Talent and Spectacle
Frozen
At the top of this gorgeous, jaw-dropping and heartwarming production, we meet two likable little girls. They’re sisters, growing up as princesses in the beautiful Scandinavian palace of Arendelle. Elsa, the eldest, learns as a child that she possesses the magical power to freeze people and objects, and to also create mountains of ice and snow. Anna, her lovingly devoted younger sister, is delighted by Elsa’s powers, but the magic proves to be dangerous when left uncontrolled. Their parents, the King and Queen, try to protect the two children by keeping this magic power a secret and making Elsa promise to wear gloves all the time. In this way, they try to prevent Elsa’s magic powers from accidentally causing anyone harm, but because kids will be kids, the parents can only control their children so much.
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A Sweet Candy Cane of a Musical
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
It’s beginning to look a whole lot like Christmas. I know, we just had Halloween and Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away! But buckle up Buttercup—there’s no getting around it. The holidays are fast approaching so get ready. And the Marriott Theatre has got a lovely, likable, energetic and sweet candy cane of a musical comedy that’s guaranteed to put theatergoers in the mistletoe mood.
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Unpack The Secrets
Leroy and Lucy
As the lights come up, we discover an attractive, young woman sitting on a bench, strumming a guitar and singing. It’s unclear where we are, but we know it’s late at night. Soon a handsome young man enters and finds himself captured by the radiance of the lovely lady and her music. The man carries with him a homemade guitar and a harmonica. The heat of the Mississippi Delta and the magic and mystery of the locale all lend a hand to Lucy and Leroy as they unpack the secrets that they’re initially reluctant to share.
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