Marquee Theatre Company
Gallery of Past Productions

Since its inception, Marquee Theatre Company has been dedicated to presenting the finest in classic family entertainment, featuring the Chicago area's finest professional performers in a gracious, intimate environment where you can see every nuance and hear every word.

Our inaugural 1994-1995 season kicked off in the summer with a series of popular park performances of A Lover and His Lass: A Collection of Shakespearean Love Scenes and Sonnets. This delightful introduction to the art of William Shakespeare was conceived and directed by Rachel Martindale and was presented free of charge by MTC's "Knight of Whimsey's Players" for theatre-lovers across the north shore.

The 1994-1995 mainstage season encompassed a daring range of stage classics, from the scintillating language-play of Tom Stoppard's Dogg's Hamlet, Cahoot's Macbeth and the timeless antics of Tim Kelly's M*A*S*H to the tragic romance of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra.

Antony and Cleopatra marked the first MTC collaboration of three stars who have quickly become audience favorites: Rachel Martindale as the beautiful, doomed Cleopatra, Ryan Edwards as the Roman general who gives up the world for love, and Garvey MacLean as the power-hungry Caesar. Sold-out at every performance, Anthony and Cleopatra established MTC as the north shore's preeminent classical company and brought together the production team that would lead MTC in a string of dramatic successes continuing to this day: Artistic Director Geoffrey Edwards, Producer Peg Malloy, Designer Paul Knappenberger, and Stage Manager Kate Bolgrien.

MTC's educational outreach program continued in the summer of 1995 with two new series of popular repertory performances, Shakespeare in the Park and Grimm's Fairy Tales.

Arsenic and Old Lace

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

The 1995-1996 season began with our long-running hit production of Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace, which starred Kathleen Hugo and Jane McCarty as the irrepressible Abby and Martha Brewster, introduced Diana Gorman as the lovely Elaine, and presented David Fell in the first of his many MTC appearances as the harried Dr. Einstein.

The Marquise

Clockwise from left: Jane McCarty, Diana Gorman, Kathleen Hugo, Warren "Scotty" Wells.
September 16 - October 21, 1995
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

The Misanthrope

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

The Misanthrope turned out to be the runaway success of the year. Audiences packed every performance of this elegant modern-dress staging of Molière's high society satire to see Antony and Cleopatra stars Rachel Martindale, Ryan Edwards, and Garvey MacLean turn their formidable talents to comedy and to revel in the unctuous hypocrisy of Joan Horsch's Arsinoe and the outrageous pretensions of Michael Hornsby's Oronte!

The Marquise

From left: Ryan Edwards, Garvey MacLean,
Rachel Martindale
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

The season concluded with a searing production of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which paired Ryan Edwards' unforgettable Big Daddy with Davi Weiss' riveting Big Mama, Rachel Martindale's exquisite Maggie, with Christopher Gausselin's broodingly powerful Brick.

From left: Davi Weiss, Ryan Edwards ,Rachel Martindale, Christopher Gausselin.
April 27 through May 18, 1996.
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

As You Like It

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

1996-1997 saw a return to Shakespeare with the magic and romantic intrigues of As You Like It. Audiences were delighted by the innovative staging which brought the whole world of Arden before them, and applauded the stand-out performances of the large cast, led by Rachel Martindale in one of her signature roles as Rosalind, Rosalind Lee as her cousin Celia, Larry Nelson as the faithful Adam, and Dan Callistein as the hapless shepherd Silvius.

From left: Larry Nelson, Joan Horsch, Rachel Martindale, Dan Callistein, Jane McCarty.
October 19-November 9, 1996.
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

South Pacific

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

One of the clear highlights of the 1996-1997 season was MTC's first musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's all-time favorite South Pacific, starring Metropolitan Opera baritone Ryan Edwards as Emile de Becque. Lyric Opera's Eric Perkins and Boston Ballet's Macy Lawrence joined Rosalind Lee, David Fell, Brian J. McCartney and a company of Chicago favorites in this sold-out smash!

From left: Sarah Minkus, Ryan Edwards, Kirsten Bierie, Caroline Minkus.
January 18-February 8, 1997
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

The Marquise

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

The 1996-1997 season concluded with this riotous comedy by Noël Coward. Ryan Edwards and Garvey MacLean were at their best as two old friends shocked to learn they share a very intimate secret, played to perfection by Jane McCarty.

The Marquise

From left: Ryan Edwards, Jane McCarty, Garvey MacLean
May 10-June 7, 1997
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

The School for Scandal

Directed by Geoffrey Edwards

The 1997-1998 season got off to a hilarious start with this classic comedy of manners by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The witty comedy satirically attacks scandal-mongers, led by the appropriately named Lady Sneerwell, played alternately by Davi Weiss and Denise Tamburrino. Ryan Edwards starred as Sir Oliver Surface, going incognito to determine the worthier of his two nephews.

The School for Scandal

Clockwise from left: Melissa Rubens, Michael Hornsby, Rachel Martindale, Davi Weiss, Roberta Mulder
October 25-November 22, 1997
Photo by E. Glenn Rippie

Camelot Directed by Geoffrey Edwards MTC's second musical, the Lerner & Loewe classic Camelot, was another runaway success, starring Metropolitan Opera baritone Ryan Edwards as the noble King Arthur, Rosalind Lee as an incomparable Guenevere, and Lyric Opera's Eric Perkins as the handsome Lancelot. Wonderful comic turns were provided by David Fell, as old King Pellinore, and Aaron Hunt as a delightfully wicked Mordred.
	From left: Rosalind Lee, Ryan Edwards, David Fell January 17-February 8, 1998 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
Mary Stuart Directed by Geoffrey Edwards Rachel Martindale caused a sensation with her acclaimed performance as the beautiful, doomed Scottish queen in Friedrich Schiller's tragedy. Love and betrayal, palace inrigue and spirtual rebirth set the sparks flying in this opulent historical drama, which brought our season to a close.
	From left: Paul Socrates Kaitson, Rachel Martindale, Earl Goldsmith April 18-May 9, 1998 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
A Midsummer Night's Dream Directed by Geoffrey Edwards Our 1998-1999 season opened with the magic and whimsy of William Shakespeare's most popular romantic comedy. Inspired by the works of Henri Matisse, the MTC's production created a fantasy world for sprites and mortals. Joe Czajka and Diana Gorman, Frank J. Glab and Beth McDermott headed a cast that also featured David Fell as an unforgettably hilarious Bottom.
	Sept 26-October 24, 1998
Man of LaMancha Directed by Geoffrey Edwards MTC's third musical was a sold-out, blockbuster production of the Broadway classic by Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh, and Joe Drion. Metropolitan Opera baritone Ryan Edwards gave a vocal and dramatic tour de force in the title role of Don Quixote. Lyric Opera's Eric Perkins was a delightfully comic Sancho Panza and roberta Mulder mesmerized audiences with her shattering portrayal of Don Quixote's beloved Aldonza.
	January 16-February 6, 1999
My 3 Angels Directed by Geoffrey Edwards Our season ended with both laughter and tears as MTC bid farewell to retiring favorite Garvey MacLean in Sam and Bella Spewack’s rollicking modern fairy tale of three convicts with hearts of gold. Garvey was joined for the last time by Rachel Martindale and Ryan Edwards, the popular trio leading a cast that also featured Marty Geraghty as evil Uncle Henri and Gregory Lacey as his feckless nephew.
	April 24-May 15, 1999
The Importance of Being Earnest Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. Oscar Wilde's sparkling comedy of manners introduced MTC's audiences to Grahame Rush as the hapless Jack Worthing, with Rachel Martindale as his beloved Gwendolen and Roberta Mulder as his country ward, Cecily. Kathleen Hugo as Lady Bracknell was a hilarious force of nature, while Melissa Rubens delighted audiences as Miss Prism.
	From left: Rachel Martindale, Grahame Rush, Roberta Mulder, Sean Patrick Hargadon October 2-23, 1999 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. Led by the comic genius of Roberta Mulder's scheming Pseudolus, MTC's "cast of thousands" turned ancient Rome on its head in Stephen Sondheim's popular musical farce. Denise Tamburrino's showstopping Domina and Marty Geraghty's lascivious Senex were perfectly complemented by Earl Goldsmigh's riotous Hysterium, Joe Czajka's sleazy Lycus, Yvonne George's sexy Philia, and Jane McCarty's befuddled Erronius.
	From left: Marty Geraghty, Denise tamburrino, Roberta Mulder, Joe Czajka, Earl Goldsmith January 15-February 5, 2000 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
Cyrano de Bergerac Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. With his eloquence and panache, Ryan Edwards enthralled MTC audiences as the ideal Cyrano in MTC’s breathtaking production of this celebrated Romantic tragedy by Edmond Rostand. Rachel Martindale starred as Cyrano’s beloved Roxane, with Grahame Rush as the handsome Christian. Aaron Hunt was acclaimed for his portrayal of Cyrano’s nemesis, the Count de Guiche, while Stephen Fedo was hilarious as the aspiring poet Ragueneau.
	From left: Rachel Martindale, Ryan Edwards, Grahame Rush March 25-April 15, 2000 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
The Lark Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. Rachel Martindale's emotional tour-de-force as Joan of Arc captivated MTC audiences, in this Jean Anouilh tragedy. Stephen Fedo excelled in his complex performance as Cauchon, the churchman who must prosecute Joan while trying to help her. Marquee veterans Ryan Edwards and Aaron Hunt gave inspired performances as Warwick and The Inquisitor.
	From left: Ryan Edwards, Rachel Martindale, Stephen Fedo, Aaron Hunt October 14-28, 2000 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
The King & I Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. The classic Rogers & Hammerstein tale of East meets West, starring the fabulous Roberta Mulder as English schoolteacher Anna Leonowens, and returning favorite Gregory Lacey as the King of Siam. Several Marquee newcomers joined with ensemble regulars for this joyful tale of learning, love and loss.
	From left: Gregory Lacey, Lydia Jean, Roberta Mulder Jan. 27-Feb. 17, 2001 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
Charley's Aunt Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. Brandon Thomas' classic comedy of mistaken identity featured Michael Marcinkoski as Babbs, who, at the urging of his pals Jack and Charley (Carleton Hayes and David Fell) dons wig and dress to pose as Charley's Aunt. Confusion ensues, as Babbs is persued by two older suitors, played expertly by Marty Geraghty and Stephen Fedo. A delightful close to the season!
	From left: Marty Geraghty, Michael Marcinkowski, Kathleen Hugo, Stephen Fedo, David Fell April 21-May 5, 2001 Photo by E. Glenn Rippie
The Lady of the Camellias Directed & adapted by Geoffrey Edwards. This exciting new adaptation of the classic tale by Alexander Dumas filsbrought the Marquee's most loved heroine, Rachel Martindale, together with newcomer Andrew Ludington. A well-rounded cast brought life and joy to this tale of tragedy and heartache.
	October 13-27, 2001
Cole! Directed by Geoffrey Edwards. This musical revue looked at the life of the great Broadway composer, Cole Porter, and featured many of his most popular and beautiful songs, including Anything Goes, Every Time We Say Goodbye, Brush Up Your Shakespeare and Night and Day. Many Marquee favorites were on hand to sing these and other classic songs.
	February 9-23, 2002