Composer Leah Okimoto and lyricist-librettist Sean Grennan have penned new material for the show's most high-profile production, which is directed by Vicky Bussert. Performances play the arena-style venue June 27-Aug. 30. Opening is July 6.
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The production is a homecoming for Chicago-bred writer Grennan (now of New York City), whose musicals Ms. Cinderella and Phantom of the Country Palace were produced by Marriott. Kathy Santen, his wife and collaborator on the earlier shows, stars in the new Married Alive!, a four-actor glimpse into the lives of a couple of newlyweds and a couple of "oldyweds."
Santen (Broadway's Les Misérables, Wicked) plays opposite Gene Weygandt (Chicago's Wicked, Broadway's Big). The younger couple are played by David Larsen and Kelly Sullivan. They're joined onstage by keyboard accompanists Kevin Disch and Roberta Duchak.
According to Marriott, "Married Alive! is a new musical that celebrates marital bliss and blisters. The show focuses on two couples, Erin and Paul, a pair of wide-eyed newlyweds, and Ron and Diane, a more experienced pair of 'oldyweds.' From wedding day to empty nest and everything in between, it's a zany new musical that affectionately applauds and pokes fun at marriage." The show begins with the wedding ceremony of Erin and Paul. When they start reciting their overly florid vows, Ron and Diane, who are in attendance, can barely contain their bemusement at Erin and Paul's innocence.
The artistic team for Married Alive! includes choreographer Linda Fortunato, musical director Dale Rieling, set designer Tom Ryan, costume designer Nancy Missimi, lighting designer Diane Williams, sound design Cecil Averrett and properties designer Gregory Isaac.
The performance schedule for Married Alive! is Wednesdays at 1 PM and 8 PM, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 5 PM and 8:30 PM, and Sundays at 1 PM. and 5 PM. Ticket price is $42.
The Marriott Theatre is at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, IL.
To reserve tickets, call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.
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The Marriott Theatre's leadership includes Terry James, executive producer; Aaron Thielen, lead artistic director; and Andy Hite, artistic director.
Married Alive! had its world premiere at American Heartland Theatre in Kansas City, MO, where Grennan and Okimoto's musical A Dog's Life also premiered. The writers will see the world premiere of their two-actor musical Another Night Before Christmas there this fall.
