Although the 1967 film is a silly and trivial affair with a couple of so-so tunes and a humorous sight gag or two, that mediocre film featuring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing is a masterpiece compared to this overlong, misconceived mess of a musical that is loosely based on the film. At a time when tuneful Broadway scores are seemingly a dime a dozen, the new songs here are truly dreadful and are repeated ad nauseum. And if that weren’t enough, there are Asian stereotypes such as dropped r’s and even the minstrel show anthem “Mammy” sung in Chinese! The libretto is endlessly chatty and insignificant, the dancing contrived and uninvolved, the acting, chemistry and comic timing awkward. And the thing just never seems to end. As one who enjoys Marriott usually first-rate productions, I confess bewilderment as to this choice of material combined with such a lackluster execution. (Dennis Polkow)
Marriott Theatre and Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire (847)634-0200. $42-$45. Through April 23.
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