About us

Founded in 1975

Marriott Theatre was founded in 1975 and today the acclaimed theatre sells more than 400,000 tickets a year! In all, The Marriott Theatre has presented more than 180 productions to an estimated 11 million people! Marriott Theatre earns lavish praise from critics, receiving a record 599 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations—Chicago's highest theatrical honor for artistic achievement.

In addition to the presentation of classic American musical theatre, Marriott Theatre has become a driving force in the development of original and re-imagined musicals.

Our staff Our artists

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Land Acknowledgement & Anti-Oppression Statement

We acknowledge that our theatre and workspaces are on land originally occupied by the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Peoria, Bodéwadmiakiwen (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Waazija (Ho-Chunk / Winnebago) and Očhéthi Šakówin peoples. As artists we accept the responsibility of being the cultural stewards of our communities. As such, we must recognize the painful history of genocide and forced removal of indigenous people from the lands on which we live and work, the shameful practice of slavery and the forced labor of enslaved Africans and their descendants on which our country was founded, the harmful effects of colonialism and white supremacy that still drive systems of oppression against black Americans within all facets of society and the exclusion, exploitation, and misrepresentation of Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern and all People of Color.

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Prime venue for "launching" Broadway shows

Broadway has long considered The Marriott Theatre a prime venue for "launching" Broadway shows into the regional market with premiere productions of:

  • A Chorus Line
  • Chess
  • Baby
  • Grand Hotel
  • They're Playing Our Song
  • The Goodbye Girl
  • The First
  • Miss Saigon
  • Cats
  • Sunset Boulevard
  • Beauty and the Beast
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie
  • The Producers
  • Les Misérables
  • Legally Blonde

New works for the Marriott Theatre stage

The Marriott Theatre, a founding member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, assists and fosters artists in creating new works for the Marriott stage. The result has been a string of American and World Premieres that have brought the national press and the country's attention to Lincolnshire. The 1989 production of MATADOR which subsequently played London's West End; the World Premiere of ANNIE WARBUCKS following a national tour opened off-Broadway in New York to rave reviews; World Premiere productions of:

  • Phantom of the Country Palace
  • Grover's Corners
  • History Loves Company
  • Queen of the Stardust Ballroom
  • Peggy Sue Got Married
  • Once Upon a Time in New Jersey
  • The Bowery Boys
  • For the Boys
  • Hero
  • Now & Forever: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
  • October Sky

Theatre for Young Audiences

Marriott's Theatre for Young Audiences has presented numerous original works as well as classic fairy tales. Through these special one-hour productions, over 2 million children have experienced the joy and magic that is "live" theatre, thereby developing yet another broad spectrum of audience members. To date, The Marriott's Theatre for Young Audiences has presented more than 75 productions to critical (and kids’!) acclaim.