Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...“Always Something There …” is the first new musical at Marriott in something like a decade, even though this theater used to develop many of them, including one based on “Peggy Sue Got Married.” So that’s a real positive this summer. This particular premiere doesn’t feel Broadway-aimed (although you never know), so much as an affordable, good-time musical with aspirations to be performed at colleges and summer-stock operations at theaters like the Goodspeed Playhouse, or on some Royal Caribbean megaship off the coast of Curaçao, which I don’t mean as condescending. I imagine future cruisers will be as delighted as many in the Marriott audience seemed to be, as we all sat together, nodding our heads to familiar beats and cycling back over our lives and pondering those shattered dreams, shattered dreams."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Directed by James Vasquez with a book by Sandy Rustin, the production features roughly 20 iconic tunes from the '80s. Many of them sound like a tribute band to a tribute band. In all, Vasquez's staging offers a cosplay version of the decade via characters shallower than Milli Vanilli's vocal range."
Daily Herald
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Lastly, "Always Something There ..." could do what "Rock of Ages" - an equally frothy 1980s jukebox show - does, which is to fully embrace its fundamental campiness. Vasquez's staging, which incorporates wind and smoke, suggests an inclination to that effect."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...“Always Something There” , written by Sandy Rustin, is, as my wife put it, a teeny-bopper show, filled with music of the late 80’s and before, with a young and vibrant cast telling us the story of a second chance in life. Sharpley directed by James Vasquez who uses the in-the-round stage at Marriott to full advantage allowing the audience to feel that they have broken the fourth wall, despite there being no fourth wall."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...There are three things that make the songs extra special. First is Marriott's always spot-on Musical Direction by Ryan T. Nelson. Everything he touches turns to gold, and this show is no exception. The second is some of the most creative, highly-energetic Choreography by Tyler Hanes that makes the score even more visually exciting. The third is Conductor Celia Villacres' brilliant six-member pit band who accompany a phenomenally talented ensemble of young triple-threats."
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Highly Recommended
"...Directed by James Vasquez with book by Sandy Rustin, orchestrations and arrangements by Geoffrey Ko directed by Ryan t. Nelson and really well choreographed by Tyler Hanes, this new musical has all the ingredients needed to become a welcome addition to the jukebox lexicon. It’s fun and has a delightful time-travel theme that can be enjoyed by all ages."
Chicago Culture Authority
- Highly Recommended
"...Always Something There..., an 80s-pop jukebox musical enjoying its world premiere at the Marriott Theatre, delivers a raucous good time with a premise that updates Peggy Sue Got Married with a potent girl-power twist."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...Summertime at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort promises Fun Fun Fun. Lake County's most luxurious resort and theater has gone all out for its Fifty-Year Golden Jubilee by staging a coordinated dining/theater experience. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre proudly presents the world premiere of a hot summer jukebox musical comedy by one of the most produced American playwrights, who is also an actress and director, Sandy Rustin. Her plays include Clue, The Cottage, The Suffragette's Murder, Struck, Elijah, Everything Seems Like Maybe, and now, Always Something There. She is an original Chicagoan native spending most of her formative years in the North Shore Glenview suburb, twenty miles north of the Loop."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...The ensemble is the 1980's again in all its Technicolor clothes designed by Amanda Vander Ryl. Director James Vasquez has managed to re-create a certain decade and all that is a part of it. Looking at the audience, everyone was enjoying the exuberance of the cast, the spectacular dancing by choreographer Tyler Hanes and the sound of the Marriott orchestra under the direction of Celia Villacres. There are 23 songs."
