at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
through June 24
review by Tracy Yoshida Gruen
The Tony award winning Broadway musical, Shenandoah, now playing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is heart-warming, funny and bursting with emotion.
It’s a story of a father who does everything he can to
protect his family during the Civil War. The father, Charlie Anderson, is opposed to the war and slavery and does not want to side with the Confederate or the Union. As the war approaches the Shenandoah Valley, Mr. Anderson and his family are pushed into the sorrow and turmoil of the war. Their close family bond is always what gets them through.
The widowed Mr. Anderson is played by Broadway veteran actor, David Hess. Throughout the entire musical, Hess impressed audience members with his superior acting and expression of emotions. His strong love for his children is evident in every word he speaks, every melody he sings and his every action. His acting is so real, he truly pulls you into the moment and lets you feel exactly what he is feeling every step of the way.
On Broadway, Hess has appeared in Sweeney Todd, Annie Get your Gun and his first national tour was for Ragtime. He has been in several other productions of Broadway as well. You may have also seen him on television in Dynasty, Dallas, one Life to Live, General Hospital, Young and the Restless and Guiding Light.
Although the musical travels into history to the Civil War, the dialogue between the father and his kids and the other characters is very easy to relate to in modern day life. The musical is filled with hilarious jokes and funny moments that had the audience cracking up at times.
Just as there was a good amount of humorous moments and touching, sad moments, the music ranged from upbeat, joyful music to heartwarming love songs, providing audience members with a wide array of music.
Although all the actors were extremely talented, another actor that stood out was Jessie Mueller, who played Jenny
in the musical. Everything she did and said was so believable and her innocence and sweetness, mixed with her strength, made her a very likeable character. Just like the boys in her family, she wanted to fight to protect her family and was extremely devoted to her family. Her voice lit up the stage.
Mueller made her Marriott debut with Shenandoah. Her credits include productions at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, such as How Can You Run With a Shell on Your Back, Three Musketeers and Henry IV Parts 1 and 2.
Besides the close relationship between the family members, another significant bond was between Anderson’s youngest son and his friend who is a slave. The two young actors had amazing chemistry on stage and their bond was undeniable, despite the slavery and racism that existed in society. The innocence of these children was very appealing, especially during times of turmoil. Despite all the killing going on around them, the two young boys were happy playing together and remained friends.
All in all, Shenandoah at the Marriott Theatre is one of the most enjoyable musicals around. It is witty, heart-warming and has a little something for everyone. It can make you laugh, cry and appreciate your family even more.
Shenandoah runs through June 24 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive.
Terry James, Executive Producer
Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director
Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director
SHENANDOAH
The Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical
Music by Gary Geld
Book by James Lee Barrett, Peter Udell and Philip Rose
Lyrics by Peter Udell
Directed and Choreographed by David H. Bell
Shenandoah stars Broadway veteran actor, David Hess as Charlie Anderson, and features Cory Connor, Brian Hissong, Christian Libonati, Abby Mueller, Jessie Mueller, Matt Raftery, Richie Roesner, Stephen Schellhardt, Galen Schloming, and Jason W. Shuffler.
THE MARRIOTT THEATRE
in Lincolnshire
Terry James, Executive Producer
Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director
Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director
present
SHENANDOAH
Music by Gary Geld
Book by James Lee Barrett, Peter Udell and Philip Rose
Lyrics by Peter Udell
Lincolnshire, IL— The Marriott Theatre is proud to present Shenandoah, the poignant Tony-award winning Broadway musical. Shenandoah previews April 25, opens May 2 and runs through June 24 at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire,
10 Marriott Drive. Based on the classic Jimmy Stewart film, Shenandoah is the emotional telling of a father and his pledge to protect his family. The musical will be directed and choreographed by Jeff Award winner David H. Bell.
It's North versus South, brother against brother in Shenandoah. Widowed Charlie Anderson’s opposition to both the war and slavery prevents him from siding with either the Confederate or the Union in the Civil War. He isn't about to let any of his six sons take sides, but as war besets the Shenandoah Valley, Charlie is pushed to the limit as his family is dragged into the fray. Through joy, sorrow and turmoil, the Andersons realize that their family bonds are what now matter the most.
Shenandoah stars Broadway veteran actor, David Hess as Charlie Anderson; and features Abby Mueller, Brian Hissong, Jessie Mueller, Jason W. Shuffler, Galen Schloming, Matt Raftery, Christian Libonati, Richie Roesner, Cory Connor and Stephen Schellhardt.
Musical direction is by Doug Peck, Set Design is by Tom Ryan, Costume Design is by Nancy Missimi, Lighting Design is by Diane Williams, Sound Design is by Cecil Averrett and Properties Design is by Greg Issac. Patti Garwood conducts the Marriott Theatre Orchestra.
The performance schedule for Shenandoah is Wednesdays
at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. With the purchase of a $45 ticket on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you receive a free dinner, based on dining availability. All other performance ticket prices are $42.00, excluding tax and handling fees. A $5.00 discount for students and seniors is valid on Wednesday and Sunday matinee performances. Dinner packages for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are available for an additional $40.00 per person at King’s Wharf and $30.00 at Fairfield Inn. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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