Displaying items by tag: Marry Me A Little
Review: "Marry Me A Little" at Stage 773
How nice that even songs Stephen Sondheim cut from his own musicals can still find a home. “Marry Me a Little” is a 1981 songbook musical assembled by Sondheim. It’s a review of songs he wrote for various musicals in the 60's and 70's but were cut or unfinished. “Marry Me a Little” is a show performed without dialogue. The plot is pretty simple: a man (Austin Cook) and a woman (Bethany Thomas) are two artists who live a floor apart in a New York City apartment building. A chance meeting sends them down a standard relationship path. Or does it?
You may already be asking yourself, why see this show? To be fair, it’s not a great script and like its sister Sondheim review “Putting it Together” – opinions are generally mixed. The script isn’t the point though. “Marry Me a Little” is a great chance to glean some insight into Sondheim’s creative process and hear some strong voices singing great songs you may not otherwise be familiar with.
Director Jess McLeod’s vision for this semi-modernized “Marry Me a Little” is sleek and cool. The décor in both apartments looks directly out of a West Elm catalog. Costumes by Stephanie Cluggish fit right in, you’ll definitely want a pair of the cool shoes The Woman struts around in.
What will certainly resonate after an hour and a half of continuous singing are these two voices. It would difficult for any co-star to match the vocal talents of Bethany Thomas, but Austin Cook holds his own. Cook is also the music director here and spends a great deal of the show parked at the piano. It’s nice to see the usual music director on stage and killing the piano. Without speaking a single word, these two are selling the magic of romance, all its ups and downs. If there’s one number worth coming for it has to be “Can That Boy Foxtrot” originally written for “Follies.” Bethany Thomas’ playful and sexy interpretation will bring a smile to your face.
“Marry Me a Little” may not be the opus “Sunday in the Park with George” but it’s a great way to spend some time with Sondheim’s lyrical genius. With a short run time and overly romantic plotline, this stylish production would surely make for a charming first date.
Through May 21 at Stage 773. 1225 W Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252
Compelling One-act Opera Is Based on Amazing Story by Tribune Reporter Howard Reich
28 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Opera Theater premiered a one-act opera, “Before It All Goes Dark,” in two performances over Memorial Day weekend at…
Three Crow's 'The Danish Play' a funny, tragic, gripping, relevant tale
25 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI love stories about World War II, particularly about survivors of the Holocaust and the Camps. And I love stories…
Lyric Opera of Chicago's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Celebrates 50 Years with New Ensemble and Signature Events
23 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCelebrating its 50th anniversary season, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago's premier artist-development program, is proud to…
'Viva La Mort' A Novel Update to 1960s Film Falls Short in Script
22 May 2024 in Theatre in Review“Viva La Mort: A Play With Songs” mines the 1956 Swiss novel “The Visit” by Friedrich Durrenmatt that came to…
Marriott Theatre Brings the Heat with New Summer Production of Beehive: The 60's Musical - Opening June 26
22 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMarriott Theatre brings the heat this summer with a rockin' tribute to the music of the 1960s, with BEEHIVE: THE 60'S MUSICAL. Directed…
Review: 'English' at Goodman Theatre
21 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewLanguage may be the backbone of human communication, but there’s a lot that happens between the lines. Sanaz Toosi’s 2023…
A Compelling Vision of Desperation and Injustice: Lifeline Theatre's 'Native Son'
21 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewLifeline Theatre’s production of "Native Son," directed by Ilesa Duncan and adapted by Nambi E. Kelley from Richard Wright’s seminal…
BEETLEJUICE is Now Playing
21 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreIt's showtime! Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that BEETLEJUICE, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, is now playing…
TUTA Theatre announces Midwest Premiere of Martin Crimp’s acclaimed experimental drama ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE. June 5 – July 14
21 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAn artist. A terrorist. A child. A brand new car. A porn star. These are all the things that Anne…
Review: Hubbard Street Dance's Spring Series: OF JOY at Harris Theatre
20 May 2024 in Dance in ReviewThere are no words. Well, obviously that’s not true cos I’m about to say a whole bunch of words –…
Drury Lane Theatre presents The Audience, starring Janet Ulrich Brooks, starting August 28
20 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre continues its 2024/25 Season with The Audience. Masterfully blending the personal and the political, The Audience gives an extraordinary glimpse into…
THE CHOIR OF MAN to return to Chicago's Apollo Theater this fall
20 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreInternational sensation The Choir of Man today announces a second season following the completion of its initial run on May 26, 2024.…
Free Joffrey Ballet performance features world-class mixed repertory program, at Pritzker Pavilion on June 16
20 May 2024 in Upcoming DanceThe Joffrey Ballet announces the programming for the Joffrey for All free performance, which will feature a mixed repertory program in Millennium Park…
Review: Gods & Monsters at Theatre Wit
20 May 2024 in Theatre in Review“James was deeply aware of the anguish associated with denying others their authenticity; His famous Frankenstein wasn’t a murderous monster.…
So Be-Coming: Death Becomes Her Brings Magic and Dark Comedy to Cadillac Theatre
20 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s often quoted in reviews that we are unworthy of such beauty or splendor the arts and humanities afford us.…
Review: Black Sunday at Timeline Theatre
19 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewTimeLine Theatre has entranced me for years with its historically- and politically-significant plays, riveting and educational – just my cup…
Midsommer Flight to present free production of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET, June 28 – August 4 in six Chicago parks
17 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMidsommer Flight, a company that has brought free performances of Shakespeare's plays to Chicago Park District parks since 2012, will…
Steppenwolf Presents LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD - June 13 – July 21, 2024 - World Premiere!
15 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to conclude its 48th season with the world premiere of Little…
LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES HIGHLIGHTS SUMMER 2024 PRODUCTIONS
14 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago continues to produce some of the most exciting work in the country this Summer, offering a wide variety of plays…
Token Theatre to produce new play directed by Emmy winner Alan Muroaka
14 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreToken Theatre, Chicago's Asian American theatre company, announces the company's first full production, ZAC EFRON, written by Artistic Director David Rhee, co-written by Managing…
Review: Murder in the Cathedral at City Lit Theater
14 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI arrived at City Lit Theater’s MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL expecting a heavy, serious, doubtless thought-provoking but rather intimidating major…
Porchlight Shares Dates and Parks for its Free, Summer Concert Series: BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD, June 6 - August 6
13 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatrePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, now in its…
Dance and Sing to the Beat of Life with ‘Last Stop on Market Street’
13 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewDespite the fact that I have never read the Newberry Award-Winning children’s book called Last Stop on Market Street, I…
'Poor People! The Parody Musical' is rich in laughs
12 May 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI’m amazed that it’s been 18 years or so since I first saw a Hell in a Handbag production. Though…
Review: The Thanksgiving Play at Steppenwolf Theatre
10 May 2024 in Theatre in Review“Together we created this nothingness,” says Audrey Francis in Steppenwolf’s production of Larissa Fasthorse’s ‘The Thanksgiving Play’. Hot off its…
Bramble Theatre Company presents Festival of Unfinished Work June 26 - June 30
10 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBramble Theatre Company, is proud to announce the third annual Festival of Unfinished Work at the new Bramble Arts Loft located on the second…
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD coming to James M. Nederlander this Fall
10 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce that individual tickets for the world premiere of the first ever touring production…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents The Enigmatist
09 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater presents The Enigmatist, an immersive and captivating experience of illusions, puzzles, and cryptology, written and performed by renowned magician…
Steep Theatre Announces Two New Shows for '24
09 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreSteep Theatre will be back on stage in 2024 with two new productions that continue the company's tradition of bringing…
"Boy Genius" Orson Welles meets "War of the Worlds" author H.G. Wells in world premiere WELLS AND WELLES, based on true events
09 May 2024 in Upcoming TheatreIn 1940, the 25-year-old Orson Welles, previously known as a stage and radio actor, had achieved widespread fame for his…
Latest Articles
-
Compelling One-act Opera Is Based on Amazing Story by Tribune Reporter Howard Reich
Written by Bill EslerChicago Opera Theater premiered a one-act opera, “Before It All Goes Dark,” in two performances over Memorial Day weekend at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago. Semi-staged with chamber orchestra conducted by Joseph Mechavich, the compact work was commissioned by Seattle-based… -
Three Crow's 'The Danish Play' a funny, tragic, gripping, relevant tale
Written by Sarz MaxwellI love stories about World War II, particularly about survivors of the Holocaust and the Camps. And I love stories based on real people. So naturally I was drawn to THE DANISH PLAY, which Canadian playwright Sonny Mills (he/him/they/them) wrote about… -
BEETLEJUICE is Now Playing
Written by Buzz Center StageIt's showtime! Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that BEETLEJUICE, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, is now playing a strictly limited engagement at the James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph) from May 21-26, 2024. Performance schedules and… -
Lyric Opera of Chicago's Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Celebrates 50 Years with New Ensemble and Signature Events
Written by Buzz Center StageCelebrating its 50th anniversary season, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago's premier artist-development program, is proud to announce its 2024/25 Ensemble. Dedicated to cultivating exceptional operatic talent, the Ryan Opera Center provides comprehensive training and extensive performance…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.