BWW Reviews: What a Difference a Year Makes for Illusion's LOVE AND MARRIAGE

A lot can change in a year. Which is exactly what LOVE & MARRIAGE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES at the Illusion Theater showcases. Last fall as Minnesotans headed to the polls to vote on the Marriage Amendment theater goers flocked to the Illusion Theater's musical revue of LOVE & MARRIAGE. The original production challenged audience members' views on what they thought love and marriage was all about. Through songs and video interviews the cast shared the stories of love and commitment from straight and gay couples.

Jump forward a year and you have a new show celebrating the legalization of gay marriage in Minnesota. Complete with new songs and follow up interviews with the couples from last year's production. The participants in the video interviews include Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak and his wife Megan, as well as Scott Mayer of Mayer Co and creator of the Ivey Theatre Awards and his husband John.

The cast of eleven sing songs of love from some of the biggest names in popular music and Broadway. Songs include "Brand New Day" and "Every Little Thing He Does" by Sting, "It Might As Well Be Spring" by Rodgers & Hammerstein, "Next to Me" by Emeli Sande, "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Savage Garden, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, and "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz. The songs are perfectly paired with video clips of couples discussing everything from how they knew their partner was the one for them, how they met and how they make their relationships work. We also learn if the same sex couples profiled will be making a trip down the aisle.

The show is beautifully put together and truly embraces the idea that love conquers all. This is a show that all should see. If not for the songs sung gorgeously by the talented cast, then for the beautiful message of love in all shapes and forms that the show champions.

LOVE & MARRIAGE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES continues through October 20th at the Illusion Theater in Minneapolis. For more information on the show or to purchase tickets visit the theatre's website.

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