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Naperville movie executive reaches for the 'Sky'

The 1999 film "October Sky," starring Jake Gyllenhaal, was a hit with critics and audiences.

Now, 16 years later, will audiences want to see a musical theater version of the movie?

Chris Herzberger believes they will.

The Neuqua Valley High School alumnus, who is vice president of live theatricals at Universal Pictures, has helped develop a new musical version of "October Sky" for the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. It started previews last week and runs through Oct. 11.

Herzberger's job is to select movies from the Hollywood studio's massive catalog and then work with writers, composers, directors and theaters to create stage versions. He picked "October Sky" - the story of a boy from a coal mining town who wants to build rockets - because he loved how relatable it was to anyone who's ever had a dream that conflicted with the expectations of those around them. The movie was based on a memoir by Homer Hickam, who grew up in a small West Virginia town and went on to work at NASA.

The key, Herzberger says, is to create something unique and not try to replicate the movie.

"We have to embrace what the musical theater has to offer, rather than what movies have to offer, which are not always the same thing." he said. "When I develop musicals, I focus on the storytelling. I'm not interested in riding the fame of a particular movie. People aren't going to want to go to a show, and recommend it to their friends, because they liked the movie."

It's why his company has had such success with productions such as "Billy Elliot the Musical." Herzberger just staged a successful version of the 1942 film musical "Holiday Inn," based on the movie with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire and music by Irving Berlin. It was performed at The Muny in St. Louis and theaters on the East Coast.

The Marriott Theatre, being in-the-round, is designed for storytelling and wonderful music, rather than big elaborate sets, Herzberger said. It's one reason why he chose it for the world premiere of "October Sky."

"It's less about a particular city and more about the artistic staff at the theater. I love the Marriott as a theater," he said. "This is an unbelievable place to create a new musical, and I hope to be back with many more projects in Chicago."

Herzberger's career began on the suburban stage. Growing up in Winfield and Naperville, he started out doing community shows at the now-closed Only a Stage in Naperville. At age 14, he won a Jeff Award for excellence in theater for the first real acting job he ever had - as Billy in "Big: the musical" at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace.

The rest of his high school years were spent acting in shows at big downtown theaters, and he moved to Los Angeles after graduation. While he had a small part on "Will & Grace," his career trajectory changed while attending classes at Biola University just outside of Los Angeles. He started hanging out with filmmakers, and developing an interest in behind-the-scenes work. Enamored with movies, he and his friends regularly took the Universal Pictures backlot tram tour, seeing the places where movies were filmed.

"(Universal Pictures) is a place I developed tremendous affection for," he said. "I was thinking to myself, 'Someday, I'm gonna work here.'"

And soon he did. Herzberger put his acting career on hold and landed a job as an executive assistant for Universal Pictures President Jimmy Horowitz. Once he had learned the business, Herzberger was promoted to a position in the live theater division. He was promoted to vice president in April.

"It's been a wild ride, but I sorta have my dream job," he said. "Not a morning goes by when I drive under the Universal sign, and pull into my parking space, and walk into my office, that I don't feel truly blessed to be doing what I'm doing."

- Jamie Sotonoff

• Dann Gire and Jamie Sotonoff are always looking for people from the suburbs who are now working in showbiz. If you know of anyone who would make an interesting feature, email them at dgire@dailyherald.com and jsotonoff@dailyherald.com.

Marriott preps 'October Sky' musical for world premiere

Nate Lewellyn, left, and Derek Hasenstab star in “October Sky” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. The idea to transform the story, based on a hit movie, into a stage musical came from Chris Herzberger, vice president of live theatricals at Universal Pictures. Courtesy of Liz Lauren and The Marriott Theatre
The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is staging the world premiere of the musical “October Sky,” based on the 1999 movie. The idea to adapt the story for the stage came from Chris Herzberger, vice president of live theatricals at Universal Pictures. Courtesy of Liz Lauren and The Marriott Theatre

“October Sky”

What: World premiere musical based on the 1999 film and the book “Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam. The musical is written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler.

When: Runs through Oct. 11

Where: The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire,

www.marriotttheatre.com or (847) 634-0200Tickets: $50-$55

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