Exceptional Staging of ‘A Little Night Music’ at Marriott Theatre

The Marriott Theatre’s production of ‘A Little Night Music’ stands out as one of the most accomplished presentations in recent times. Directed by Nick Bowling, this in-the-round staging of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical adaptation pays homage to the ambitious days of suburban theater in Chicagoland.

The cast is filled with notable talent from both Chicago and New York, reminiscent of past celebrated Sondheim productions, particularly those directed by Gary Griffin at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This production attracts Sondheim enthusiasts eager to experience the musical, making it worth the effort to travel to suburban Lincolnshire.

Nick Bowling’s work with ‘A Little Night Music’ represents a significant achievement in his career. As the associate artistic director at TimeLine Theatre, Bowling has consistently delivered impressive performances; this one is especially commendable. He manages to infuse the complex show with vibrancy and a deep sense of human desire, transforming its potentially cynical or stiff nature into something pulsing with life.

Leading the cast, Alexandra Silber delivers a nuanced performance as Desirée, imbued with paradoxical acceptance and urgency. Her rendition of ‘Send in the Clowns’ highlights her unique voice, bringing depth to the character’s struggles. Desirée emerges as more than a cliché, becoming a vulnerable and lively presence on stage.

Other notable performances include Addie Morales as Anne and Andrew Samonsky as Fredrik. Morales captivates with her powerful voice and compelling interpretation, while Samonsky’s portrayal of the ordinary Fredrik aligns perfectly with the creators’ intentions. Carmen Roman embodies Madame Armfeldt, whose insights expose the insecurities of otherwise trivial characters.

Madison Uphoff and Veronica Garza also shine in their roles. Uphoff’s Petra exudes an energetic awareness of life’s fleeting nature, and Garza’s rendition of ‘Every Day a Little Death’ resonates deeply. Despite some moments of overacting, the overall tone and balance remain exquisite.

The musical direction under Ryan T. Nelson enhances the production’s impact. The round stage setting complements the musical’s themes, featuring a minimalist but effective design by Regina Garcia and costumes by Sally Dolembo that capture the era’s essence.

This production demonstrates Sondheim musicals’ unique ability to evoke existential reflection. Although the Marriott audience might not be accustomed to such depth compared to other lighter performances like Elvis or ‘Footloose,’ the allure of ‘A Little Night Music’ remains undeniable among theater practitioners.

The show runs until August 9 at the Marriott Theatre, offering audiences a fresh experience of Sondheim’s work.

Details:
Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Tickets: $78-$97
Website: marriotttheatre.com
Phone: 847-634-0200