The Night Was Alive
Some musicals are pure escape stories; some shed light on the life of a famous or popular individual or musical group; a great many shows these days are simply jukebox musicals, helping us to relive the sounds of a era. And then there are musical dramas, like LES MISERABLES, that are so beautiful and breathtaking that they stimulate an emotional experience that both breaks our heart and stirs our soul. TITANIC, THE MUSICAL is such a show, especially in Marriott’s unbelievably moving, majestic and yet intensely intimate production. It draws the audience onto “The Largest Moving Object” and takes the passengers, crew and theatergoers on a memorable journey during which “The Night Was Alive.”
Every time I attend a Marriott production I think, “How can they surpass the last show they presented?” And yet, a model of artistic consistency, the Lincolnshire Theatre always proffers another polished professional production in-the-round, every single time. This is no exception, although I can’t imagine how their upcoming shows will top TITANIC, THE MUSICAL. This show is so superior and sublime, I’d gladly pay to see it again.
For anyone who might’ve been living under a rock, the musical is based on an actual horrific historical international disaster. In April of 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean within hours. More than 1,500 crew and passengers lost their lives in the catastrophe, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters of all time. The Titanic was the largest ocean liner of its day. This Ship of Dreams left Southampton, England with 2,224 people on board. Heading toward New York City, the ship was only four days into her maiden voyage when disaster struck. Because of a variety of careless mistakes and arrogant negligences, the tragedy could’ve been prevented and lives saved.
In 1985, the wreckage from the Titanic was discovered off the coast of Newfoundland. The detection and recovery of artifacts from the disaster inspired musical theater composer Maury Yeston (NINE, PHANTOM, GRAND HOTEL). He was motivated by how mankind continually tries to tempt the odds in striving for greater technological feats. He was also inspired by the imagined hopes and dreams of every 2nd and 3rd class passenger to rise in rank and find a better life in America. The musical illustrates Yeston’s goals in writing both the symphonic music and lyrics, as well as in the book, by librettist Peter Stone (1776, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, CURTAINS). The 1997 musical went on to win a Drama Desk Award and five of the top Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
While the original 1997 production featured an enormous all-star cast, a three-tiered scenic design and a full pit orchestra, Don Stephenson, who created the role of Charles Clarke in the original cast, later developed a more modest production. He scaled down TITANIC, THE MUSICAL. Instead of 43 cast members this ensemble adaptation uses 21 actors, most of them doubling and tripling in roles, to create the same, full effect. The orchestra was also modified so that the music sounds more like the ship’s actual band. This more intimate Ensemble Version of the musical is what audiences will experience at the Marriott. But, believe me, nothing is lost in this translation.
Directed and Choreographed with tremendous skill and knowhow, New York’s Connor Gallagher (BEETLEJUICE, THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM, THE BIG GAY JAMBOREE) has made his Lincolnshire Theatre production into a living, breathing entity. Ryan T. Nelson’s expert Musical Direction develops so much power and passion in his cast that, at times, the audience can both hear and feel the music. The modified, but full-sounding Orchestra is a string quartet, with added percussion, that’s Conducted by Keyboardist Brad Haak.
This production’s technical achievement is stellar, in every way. From Collette Pollard’s expressionistic Scenic Design we can just see the essence of the magnificent ship, brought into brilliant illumination through Jesse Klug’s astonishing Lighting Design and Michael Daly’s incredibly powerful Sound Design. There are moments in Act II where the audience will feel as if the entire theatre is turning on its side, as the Titanic begins to take on water. It’s an amazing technical achievement throughout. And the sumptuous Costumes by Sully Ratke, adorned by period Wigs & Makeup by Miguel A. Armstrong, create the silhouette and look of each class of passenger.
The large, gifted cast features some of the finest and best of Chicago. Individually and in duets and trios, the vocals are perfection. But the wall of sound produced by this company at various interludes, when singing in unison, is simply astounding. The harmonies will produce goosebumps and/or bring tears to your eyes. Of the 45 songs, some of the finest musical moments are found in “The Largest Moving Object,” “Barrett’s Song,” “What a Remarkable Age This Is,” “To Be a Captain,” “Give You My Hand,” “The Night Was Alive,” “Autumn,” “The Blame,” “We’ll Meet Tomorrow” and the heartbreaking anthem of this musical, “Godspeed Titanic.”
The cast features indelible performances by David Girolmo (Captain Smith), Darian Goulding (Stoker Barrett/Guggenheim), Will Lidke (Charles Clarke and others), Francesca Mehrotra (Caroline Neville/Mme. Aubert and others), Christopher Kale Jones (Thomas Andrews), Adam Pelty (J. Bruce Ismay), George Keating (First Officer Murdoch), Kevin Webb (Henry Etches), Matthew Hommel (Harold Bride and others) and Joel Gelman (Second Officer Lightoller/Astor).
In addition, there’s the incomparable Lillian Castillo (Alice Beane), James Earl Jones II (Edgar Beane and others), Heidi Kettenring (Ida Straus), Mark David Kaplan (Isidor Straus/Quartermaster Hitchens and others), Erica Stephen (Kate McGowan), Garrett Lutz (Jim Farrell), Kelly Harrington (Charlotte Cardoza), as well as Eric Amundson, Laura Guley, Victoria Okafor and Lucas Thompson, who complete the cast. Each and every performer is a star.
This is said a lot of a show, but, truly, this is a production that should not, must not be missed. TITANIC, THE MUSICAL isn’t produced all that often and seldom as spectacularly as it is currently at the Marriott. You will be rewarded with a beautiful presentation of a poignant story that’s based in historical fact. The Titanic disaster continues to fascinate and astonish us, but, especially after witnessing the power and passion of Marriott’s new musical production, when “The Night Was Alive,” theatergoers will never forget it.
Marriott’s 50th anniversary season continues with another of their new Pop-up Restaurant Experiences, held in the Three Embers Restaurant of the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. Just a short stroll from the Theatre, the dining room is transformed into the White Star Grill. This elegant eatery features a unique menu that’s reminiscent of the dishes served to the First Class passengers aboard the Titanic.
Among the delicious, theme-oriented starters is an unusual and delicious English Garden Salad (which is made of green beans, sun-dried tomatoes, Cheddar cheese, diced potatoes and salad cream); however, guests may choose instead the Iceberg Dead Ahead or the Grilled Aviator Salad (grilled romaine, shaved Pecorino Romano, Tuscan crisps and Aviator dressing).
Of the dozen entrees available, I was treated to a delectable serving of Bone-in Short Ribs, served with whipped potatoes, mixed vegetables, compound butter and a hazelnut chimichurri. I also tried the mouthwatering Chicken Lyonnaise, with Yorkshire Pudding, grilled asparagus, caramelized onions and demi glaze. Other noteworthy entrees available include a 16 oz. Hand-cut Prime Ribeye Filet, Shepherd’s Pie, Wood Fired Duck Breast and a Wild Mushroom Galette, and others.
The yummy dessert menu at the White Star Grill offers a Chocolate Eclair filled with Vanilla Bean Custard; Peaches Panna cotta with Meringue and Chartreuse Jelly; Waldorf Bread Pudding topped with French Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce; and (my personal recommendation) a Petit Mocha, which includes chocolate mousse, a chocolate almond dacquoise filled with a hazelnut almond crunch and topped with expresso ice cream. Incredibly decadent and delicious!
For a full afternoon or evening, just before you board the Titanic, treat your tastebuds to a delicious, unforgettable meal in the White Star Grill. Please visit www.threeembersrestaurant.com or call 847-634-0100 to make a reservation. This rich, delicious and sensory experience will round out your journey.
Highly Recommended
