Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire announces 'Ragtime,' 'Holiday Inn' for new season

The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire has announced its 2018 season will include the sweeping musical "Ragtime" and the regional premiere of "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn."

Led by executive producer Terry James with Aaron Thielen and Andy Hite as artistic directors, the Marriott will present five musicals in its center-stage venue.

"Ragtime" opens the season starting Jan. 24. The 1998 Broadway musical is inspired by E.L. Doctorow's epic novel about early 20th century Americans both fictional and famous, and features a Tony Award-winning script and score respectively by playwright Terrence McNally ("Master Class") and songwriters Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens ("Once on This Island").

Marriott will revive "Oklahoma!" for a special 75th anniversary production starting April 11. The last time the Marriott produced Rodgers and Hammerstein's influential 1943 musical drama was to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

Next up is "Murder for Two," starting July 3. This two-actor musical comedy by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair previously enjoyed hit runs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2011 and off-Broadway in 2013.

"Sweet Charity" follows on Sept. 5, sharing the ups and downs of a hopeful "dance hall hostess" in this 1966 musical by playwright Neil Simon and songwriters Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields. The score features memorable hits such as "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now."

"Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn" arrives Nov. 7 in a regional premiere following its 2016 Broadway debut. Playwrights Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge have adapted the 1942 holiday film for the stage with hit songs such as "Blue Skies," "Shaking the Blues Away" and "White Christmas."

For information on subscriptions, Call (847) 634-0200 or visit Marriotttheatre.com.