Illusion Theater to Stage Love and Marriage: What a Difference a Year Makes
Sep 4, 2013

 Last fall, the Illusion Theater developed a new musical revue to explore marriage-and what it signifies. After same-sex marriage was legalized in November and with the landmark Supreme Court decision in the spring, Illusion was besieged with people asking, "Will you bring the show back to celebrate this historic moment for love and marriage in Minnesota?" The answer is a resounding, "YES!" LOVE & MARRIAGE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES opens September 19 and will honor all newlyweds with a special post-show reception. The show continues through October 20 at the downtown Minneapolis theater, located on the eighth floor of The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave.

Composer/Arranger Roberta Carlson and Illusion Theater Co-Producing Director Michael Robins have reworked last year's production using the same format - songs and videotaped interviews - to celebrate love, life partners and the true meaning of "for better or for worse." Rachel Hurst, Randy Schmeling and Dennis Spears return, and will be joined by Neal Beckman, Teri Parker Brown and Aeysha Kinnunen, along with a high school mini-chorus (Anna Evans, Kennadi Hurst, Davon Suttles, Harrison Wendt and Sadie Wendt). A live, three-piece combo with Carlson on piano and keyboards, Demetrius Mabry on drums and Jay Young on bass will accompany the singers as they celebrate with new songs, such as Love is the Law and Brand New Day. This updated version also features fresh interviews with children, teens and seniors talking about their definitions of love and marriage.

Robins said, "Last year we experimented with the form of a musical revue, and this year we're having a joyful time sifting through music, bringing back some favorites, choosing some well-known tunes and finding some new gems." Carlson added, "I think of last year's show as a Valentine, both wistful and hopeful. This year is more of a celebration of marriage and the roads to it - and through it."

The Love & Marriage creative team includes Jonathan Carlson (videographer/editor), Mandi Johnson (costume design), Dean Holzman (set design), and Karin Olson (lighting design).

Tickets for Love & Marriage are $17-32. Discounts are available for matinees, children and groups of 10 or more people. Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

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