Second Chances in a Song
There’s a new musical in town that captures the heart, tickles the funny bone, and will have you humming long after the curtain falls. Always Something There, the effervescent new jukebox musical written by Sandy Rustin is now playing at the Marriott Lincolnshire through August 10.
This musical tribute to the 80s, complete with big hair, leg warmers, and Care Bears is filled with heart, humor, and harmonies that soar. Set in her senior year in a Chicagoland high school and on her 45th birthday, Samantha wakes up and discovers she can have a “do over” and do things right this time.
What makes Always Something There such a standout is its pitch-perfect blend of 80’s pop hits and heartfelt storytelling. The cast dazzles with charisma and comedic timing, especially the powerhouse women who channel the era’s sass and soul. The choreography keeps the energy moving like a perfect Mix tape!
But beneath the “back to the future” kind of vibe lies a message about believing in yourself, the power of friendship, and finding your voice—both literally and figuratively.
The voices of Christina Priestner as the young Samantha and Heidi Kettenring as the older version blend perfectly and it is joy to see them sing together. Priestner embodies the young, energetic girl on the cusp of womanhood and Kettenring is perfect as the older, but wiser version of herself.
Directed by James Vasquez with high-energy choreography by Tyler Hanes, the show moves along seamlessly. The dancing is way over the top!
Other standouts in the cast include Matthew as the geeky, techie Winston Lee whose comedic chops are impeccable and Genevieve Corkery as the ultimate rocker, Debbie Waller. Also excellent is Emma Ogea as best-friend sidekick, Camelia. What the audience really enjoyed were things we know as commonplace today that were not even on the drawing board in the 80s like Instagram and computer hacks.
Kudos to Costume Designer Amanda Vander Byl whose 80s garb is spot on in color and style. Every costume is a retro dream. Mention must be made to Miquel A. Armstrong for his perfect hair designs that capture the energy of an era. And, the lighting design by Jesse Klug surrounds the stage with bright neon.
The performers don’t just sing the songs—they embody them, capturing the era’s essence in both voice and style. Costume changes, clever staging, and a tight musical ensemble bring a polished Broadway sensibility to this intimate revue.
Perfect for a girls’ night out, date night, or anyone who’s ever hummed along to the radio, Always Something There is a joyful reminder that the soundtrack of our youth still has the power to move us. So grab your tickets, and get ready to fall in love with these classics all over again.
