Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...When you see Spelman’s name in the director’s slot at a Chicago theater these days, there’s good reason to buy a ticket. She’s become a potent auteur, a believer in simplicity, honesty and unstinting truth, reminding me of the kind of work director David Cromer did that then launched a Broadway career. This is no ordinary “Music Man.” Indeed, it’s quite different from the most recent Broadway revival, a massive hit with Jackman and Sutton Foster, and from the earlier Susan Stroman revival which toured to Chicago, and from Gary Griffin’s prior Marriott staging, which starred the late Bernie Yvon, who remains the music man in many Chicago theater hearts."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...It’s one thing to roll out an old chestnut like The Music Man and amiably work through the show, as many companies have done. But Marriott’s production, directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman, captures and embodies the earnest levity of this show, allowing the audience to believe in the premise: that the kids whose parents were fleeced by the slimy title character, Professor Harold Hill (KJ Hippensteel), could provide some semblance of a band concert after weeks of gallivanting around town and not practicing or giving their instruments any thought at all."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...The Music Man is about transforming from deception to redemption through the power of love. Hill attempted to defraud the rural community but unexceptionally interjected an energetic buoyancy into the Iowa stubborn and boring town. Society has always believed that good can overcome evil, and The Music Man, like other musicals, movies, and sitcoms, has tried to intellectually channel this message into our minds, hearts, and souls. And even though many are on the fence if it's worked for a few hours, Marriott Theatre gives you a chance to dream again that love can conquer all."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This is a big musical and seeing it done on a small stage is always a treat. The intimacy of the theater is special and a solid reason that Marriott Lincolnshire has meant so much to its subscribers over the years since it was Drury Lane North ( a long long time ago)."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This perfectly written American musical classic, guided by nationally-known, artistically accomplished Director and Choreographer Katie Spelman, should not be missed. Every single actor brings his or her own special skills to the stage to make this show feel especially fresh and new. The production offers a score of gorgeous music, beautifully sung and accompanied by Kevin Reeks’ talented nine-member pit orchestra. The enormous and talented cast creates a community of funny and unforgettable characters that keep the Meredith Willson much-loved portrait of Americana feeling delightfully distinct and deliciously different. You really ought to give Iowa a try!"
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...But, because this is The Music Man, a show we music theater folks know and love, Hippensteel’s Hill does give us the flourishes, the hand gestures, the hops, the dips, all the pizazz we came into the theater expecting from the professor. However, Hippensteel does it on his own terms, as his own Harold Hill. Just like the entire charming and unique production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man does, playing now through June 2 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...Most of all, audiences will be treated to the outstanding choreography of director/choreographer Katie Spelman. Yes, the accompanying cast may have partially been chosen by their dance ability, but all their movements across the stage and interactions with others are innovatively thought out to express the town and characters personalities."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Katie Spelman’s rendition is crisp, packed with energy, and perfect for the Marriott’s theatre in the round stage. With River City folks dancing and singing up and down the aisles, Spelman’s choreography transports the audience to small-town Iowa."
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...What Spelman has created is an awe-inspiringly fresh and vibrant production of the Meredith Wilson show. No matter how many times you’ve seen “The Music Man” before, you’ve never seen it like this! In a word: spectacular!"
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...From the inventive staging and costumes as colorful and refreshing as a dish of sherbet at a church social to the heartfelt, energetic performances and gorgeous singing, The Music Man at the Marriott Theatre hits nary a sour note."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre proudly presents The Music Man, a family-friendly classic popular comedy tale. It is timely enough to delight every generation. The production has everything from wicked hijinks to sweet romances, corny jokes, campy antics, and spirit-uplifting familiar musical tunes. Reiniger Meredith Willson wrote the book, music, and lyrics to The Music Man as an homage to his home state of Iowa."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...The Music Man is a great family show. There is laughter and moments of tears. It's not just a story of a con man and the people he interacts with. It's about a community, families, and how love does change lives. There is trouble but then those 76 trombones come to town and there is love all around. Marriott has told the story just right. Enjoy. Meredith Willson would agree."
