Article by Emma Rubenstein
For season upon season, the Marriott has proved itself one of the most high-quality suburban theaters in the Chicagoland area. Every once in a while, though, it turns out a show that is so jaw-droppingly, over-the-top, knock-your-socks-off impressive, that it rivals the quality of those on Broadway. Its newest feat, A Little Night Music is just that. In a word, it’s spectacular.
Stephen Sondheim’s classic Tony-Award-Winning musical, directed here by theater-directing-veteran and founding Artistic Director of Timeline Theater Company, Nick Bowling, chronicles the trials and tribulations of several star-crossed lovers as the navigate their entanglements and confront their own self-image, culminating in a wonderfully chaotic weekend in the country. Inspired by Ingrid Bergman’s “Smiles of a Summer Night” the show is classic Sondheim- beautiful but discordant, light but deep, surprisingly hilarious but moving. The show is farcical in nature but has something true to say and this production says it really, really well.
While this Marriott’s Night Music is packed full of good things, what makes it so truly exceptional is a powerhouse cast. Each artist, whether their role is little or large, is truly impressive here. It is clear that this casting attracted some hugely talented artists and that the ensemble was crafted with care.
At the helm of the cohort is the inimitable Alexandra Silber as Desiree Armfeldt- she is a delight to behold and is an actor that is truly interesting to watch. She has an enormous presence and gorgeous voice but what makes her so captivating is the little moments she finds amidst the specter of the musical. It is clear that she has made each character choice with the utmost care from most booming notes to the smallest micro-expressions.
Similarly impressive is Addie Morales as Annie Egerman, who was recently seen as Christine in New York’s new (and hugely popular) immersive reimagining of Phantom of the Opera– Masquerade. While Annie is young and bubbling-on-the-surface Morales brings something deeper to the role and boasts some of the most take-your-breath-away vocals in recent memory.
Rounding out the cast is Andrew Samonsky as Fredrik Egerman, Carmen Roman as Madame Armfeldt, Alan H Green as Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm, Eldon Warner-Soriano as Henrik Egerman, and Veronica Garza as countess Charlotte Malcolm. Each, truly, deserves their own glowing review. The ensemble is so varied and distinct while remaining cohesive; it is a delight to behold. Garza, in particular, is a hugely charming and hilarious dead-pan foil to some of the more flamboyant characters here. She is something that is not always achieved in musical camp- truly funny.
The show is full of music that, in classic Sondheim style, is not always easy to digest. Its signature “Send in the Clowns” is sung fabulously by Silber but its other, stranger numbers are also brought to life here in a way that makes them truly easy to listen to and enjoy. Morales, Samonsky, and Warner-Soriano’s three part “soon” is one of the first “wow” moments of the show and Madison Uphoff’s singular “The Miller’s Son” is another surprise gut-punch that reminds us how masterfully cast even the “smaller” roles are here.
The Marriott’s signature theater-in-the-round space comes to full life in Night Music and adds something truly magical to this production. One of the most delightful things about this format is its immersive nature. The in-the-round space allows guests to witness the audience across from them experiencing the show and, in Night Music, we get to see an audience that is truly captivated by the production in front of them. While it is almost impossible to look away from the spectacle of this show itself, it is a joy to watch so many truly delighted theater-goers.
Another surprisingly-impressive element to Night Music is the costume design- managed here by Sally Bolembo. It is well-crafted, wonderfully colorful, and full of little surprise features that add something really special to the show. Overall, they create a show that is as fun to look at as it is full of substance.
As always, at the Marriott Theater, quality and convenience come hand in hand. The space is impressively convenient for groups of all sizes- it is centrally located, easy to book and navigate, offers plentiful parking, is ADA accessible, and offers spacious and comfortable seating. The adjoining resort also offers dining, spa services, a pool, golfing, varied and plentiful meeting spaces, and on-site lodging for those visiting for a longer stay.
Night Music provides a rare combination of ease in planning and artistic excellence- the ability to quickly create a group experience that is incredibly high-quality.
An ASL Interpreted performance will be available on Thursday, August 6th. The Marriott Theatre provides Hearing Loop for patrons with hearing loss, as well.
For information on group tickets, contact the Group Sales team at 847.634.0200 or via contact form.
The Marriott has achieved true magic this summer- A Little Night Music is a must-see. The show will run from June 17h to August 9th and is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
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