Being True to Yourself

Arthur & Friends Make a Musical

At Lakewood Elementary School, Mr. Ratburn’s class is getting ready to write and perform a show for everyone in Elwood City. All of Arthur’s classmates are excited, inspired and busy writing stories that showcase an aspect of each kid’s personality. But Arthur, who most of his friends find boring, needs some creative motivation. After envisioning his buddy Buster’s mystery thriller, his friend Muffy’s fashion forward fantasy, Arthur is inspired by his schoolmate Brain’s dinosaur drama and even swayed his little sister DW’s obsession with extraterrestrial aliens, Arthur tries to write a story that’s equally as exciting. 

He decides that a story about Pal, his sweet puppy, wouldn’t be quite as thrilling as a tale that borrows ideas from the other children. When he tries out his strange story on his family it falls flat. But in the end, Arthur learns a very valuable lesson, an idea that Shakespeare included in HAMLET: “This above all, to thine own self be true.” Arthur finally discovers that the best idea of all is being true to yourself.

This lively, 75-minute musical for young audiences was written by playwright and lyricist John Maclay (NATE THE GREAT, GOOSEBUMPS THE MUSICAL), with music and lyrics by actor and composer Brett Ryback (NATE THE GREAT, JOE SCHMOE SAVES THE WORLD). Together they adapted the characters from Marc Brown’s beloved series of Arthur books, for children ages 6-10. The story behind the new musical is completely new and original. Many of the children in the audience will also know Marc Brown’s characters from the very popular animated series that’s been running on PBS for many years.

Directed and Choreographed for Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences by talented Tommy Rivera-Vega, with Musical Direction by Otto Vogel, this energetic and infectious play will enchant, entertain and enlighten young school-aged children (although preschoolers may become a little restless). The characters look exactly like Marc Brown’s illustrations, thanks to authentic and imaginative Costumes by Nicholas Hartman and Wigs, Hair and Makeup courtesy of Miguel Armstrong. Also, a special nod to Conchita Avitia’s dynamic and exciting Lighting Design, as well.

The cast introduces audiences to several excellent actors who are new to the Marriott stage. Winter Olamina (1919 at Steppenwolf, SHE LOVES ME at Blank Theater) makes their debut as Arthur, and a finer young aardvark I can’t imagine. Winter plays the youngster as an honest, insecure little guy who learns a valuable life lesson by the show’s rousing finale. He enchants his family with his tongue-twisting tuneful tale, “Planet Shmellaphint.” Pretty and petite Joryhebel Ginorio (recently Jeff nominated for portraying Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN at Theo Ubique) brings lots of sparkle and spunk playing Arthur’s precocious little preschool sister, DW. She sings about her belief in aliens in “Something More Out There;” but her finest moment is as “Ulysses Napolean Baggypants,” the super sleuth from the story that Arthur’s friend Buster 

sings/narrates for his classmates. Buster is a big-mouth bunny, nicely played with a good deal of dry humor by gifted Marriott favorite, Garrett Lutz.

Brooklyn native and Northwestern graduate, stylish Arwen-Vira Marsh makes her Marriott debut playing eager and energetic Muffy. The chic fashionista of Lakewood Elementary dazzles the audience with her hot, high-kicking “Dress For Success.” Gifted and talented Danielle A. Davis (1776 at the Marriott, CORDUROY, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) plays both Arthur’s encouraging Mama and foxy, street-smart Francine. Her wonderful “Agent 355” is one of the highlight numbers of the show. Handsome Andres Enriquez returns to the Marriott (TITANIC, BIG FISH, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH) to play both Arthur’s cool and dandy Dad and his well-educated classmate, Brain. And also returning to the Marriott is the astoundingly agile, terrifically talented Ron King (JOSEPH…TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, MADAGASCAR, SHREK). He plays Arthur’s comical, imaginative and highly innovative teacher, Mr. Ratburn. He sets the ball rolling by inspiring his students with the peppy, “Put Your Heart Into It.”

Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences is always a treat. The productions are always carefully chosen, professionally produced and performed by some of Chicago’s most talented, topnotch triple-threats. Each show offers a lesson, like being true to yourself, as Arthur learns. One of the highlights at the Marriott includes the short talkback conversation between the actors and the young theatergoers that follows each performance. During that ten-minute question-and-answer session, each kid’s acknowledged when asking a question and is given a warm and sincere answer that will expand their understanding of theatre. And, after enjoying the talented cast performing at the top of their game, it’s great to have a chance to get to know the people behind the roles.               

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 11-August 10 by Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.