LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—Mr. Ratburn, the teacher at Lakewood Elementary School, has come up with a creative assignment for his students. He wants them to write a story to perform in a show for Elwood City residents. Everyone thinks it will be fun except for Arthur, who’s having self-doubts: Can he come up a story that isn’t too boring?
Adapted from Marc Brown’s popular series of “Arthur” novels by playwright John Maclay, with music and lyrics by Brett Ryback, the new “Arthur & Friends Make a Musical” is an adorable addition to shows especially created for children 6 to 10 years old.
Arthur’s Problem
Arthur’s friends imagine what he believes are fascinating tales about dinosaurs and extraterrestrials. All Arthur can think up with is a story about his puppy, Pal, but he doesn’t think that’s interesting enough.
He decides to borrow bits and pieces from his friends’ works. Unfortunately, Arthur’s second-hand attempt to mirror what others are doing ends up being—boring! Indeed, Arthur’s imitation fails, which reinforces his lack of confidence and cements his opinion that he’s worthless.
The experience overall, though, ends up being positive; the valuable takeaway inspires the youngster to realize that he’s worthy of love and belonging. He discovers that the most important lesson of this project is being true to himself.
Mission Fulfilled
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences is committed to getting youngsters interested in the joys of live theater. It chooses shows that have a life-lesson to impart, utilizes the best technical talent, and presents exceptional actors. The theater also offers interesting conversation at the end of its shows, where audience members can get to know the actors and to ask them questions. Adults who accompany children will enjoy watching the wide-eyed youngsters ask interesting and, often, humorous questions.
As for this production, while it presents a valuable lesson for little ones that’s important to learn as early as possible, it’s just as important for those who tag along with the children.
The Production
The Marriott doesn’t stint on the show’s production values. Directed and choreographed by Tommy Rivera-Vega with musical direction by Otto Vogel, this show is terrific entertainment that will keep kids glued to their chairs. It’s obvious that the theater company is as professional with its children’s productions as it is with adult presentations.
Its impressive artistry includes lighting by Conchita Avitia, sound by Michael Daly, and set by Delena Bradley. Together, the elements create a delightful cartoonish backdrop that enhances the musical’s storybook atmosphere. Indeed, with Nicholas Hartman’s whimsical, colorful costumes and hair and makeup by Miguel Armstrong, the ensemble transforms into the characters that Marc Brown illustrated.
Winter Olamina plays the part of Arthur as a sweet, insecure little guy whose perspective on himself changes by show’s end. He delivers a fine rendition of the “Planet Shmellaphint.”
Joryhebel Ginorio offers a lot of laughs with her portrayal of Arthur’s assertive little sister DW, and does a lovely turn singing about outer space aliens in “Something More Out There.”
Also needing mention are Garrett Lutz, who plays boisterous classmate Buster; Arwen-Vira Marsh, who plays the high-energy Muffy singing “Dress for Success; and Danielle A. Davis as Francine and as Arthur’s helpful and encouraging Mom, who delivers the show-stopping “Agent 355.” Andrés Enriquez plays Brain as well as Arthur’s unflappable dad; and Ron King plays Mr. Ratburn, who belts out “Put Your Heart Into It.”
Certainly, the children who’ve watched reruns of the long-running PBS series “Arthur” will get a kick out of the animated TV characters they’re familiar with come to life in front of them.
‘Arthur™ & Friends Make a Musical’
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences
10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, Ill.
Tickets: 847-634-0200 or MarriottTheatre.com
Runs: one hour
Closes: Aug. 10, 2025
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