Earlier this year, MTI announced the acquisition of Always Something There…, part of the Lively McCabe Entertainment “Hits Musicals Collection.” Styled to ‘80s tunes with a book by Sandy Rustin (Clue, Mystic Pizza) and arrangements and orchestrations by Geoffrey Ko, this jukebox musical recently had its world premiere at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois with a warm reception from critics. Ahead of its future release, let’s rewind the tape and look at this premiere production. 

When Samantha Craig wakes up on the morning of her 45th birthday as her 18-year-old self, she has a chance to rewrite her past and land in the future of her dreams. Does she redo her past choices, or should she accept that those choices have made her who she is today? 

Featuring a score of hits made famous by Madonna, Whitney Houston, Culture Club, Naked Eyes, The Go-Gos, and Tiffany, among many others, Always Something There… is a modern musical homage to the beloved teen-flicks of the 1980s. Bringing nostalgia to the stage and resonating with all ages, Always Something There… is a piece that feels both familiar and fresh.

Always Something There… at the Marriott Theatre certainly left audiences dancing to these timeless tunes. The Chicago Tribune noted Always Something There… as a “fun and escapist cavalcade of ‘80s hits” while Splash Magazines shared: “[Always Something There…] is a love letter to second chances, self-discovery, and the power of music to heal the soul.” 

The Company of Always Something There... Photo Credit: Amy Nelson

Book writer Sandy Rustin and director James Vásquez shared their insights with us on the premiere. 

Sandy, how did growing up in Chicago inspire the story of Always Something There? Did any of your teenage experience make it into the show? 

Rustin: I grew up in John Hughes territory. My neighborhood, my high school, my parking lots – were all features of the teen flicks of my elementary and middle school years. The writing of Always Something There allowed me to reflect on, celebrate, tweak, and update the classic ‘80s coming-of-age stories that influenced my own teenage years. Throughout the show are lots of little easter eggs to my suburban Chicago upbringing, not least of which is the name of Samantha’s high school – Trevian High - a tribute to my beloved New Trier High School whose mascot was a Trevian. 

How did the songs chosen for the show shape the narrative? 

Rustin: Actually, the question is better asked the other way around. How did the narrative dictate the song choices? I went about writing this show as a play first. I developed the characters and story and then determined where songs deserved to be sung. Once I understood when a scene could be heightened to warrant music and what that scene required dramaturgically, I was able to dive into the Primary Wave music catalog and search for a song that would elevate a specific moment – supporting the characters’ arcs and overarching storytelling goals. 

What did you love most about developing a jukebox musical? 

Rustin: Always Something There is the fourth or fifth jukebox musical I’ve had the opportunity to create – I love it every time! I find it gratifying to take existing music and put it to use in a new way. In my musical Mystic Pizza, I use the tune “Into The Mystic” to build a romance and share history about the town of Mystic, CT, though Van Morrison was writing more broadly about being part of the universe. In Always Something There, Survivor’s love song, “The Search is Over,” serves as a catalyst for the character Samantha to reconcile unresolved feelings with her teenage self. For me, finding fresh ways to serve a new story while exploring well-loved music is both the challenge and the thrill of creating a jukebox musical.

What are the central themes of Always Something There and why do you think they matter now? 

Rustin: Always Something There is about manifesting the life you want (and bedazzled blue jeans). It’s about second chances (and Trapper Keepers). It’s about intuition (and Magic 8 Balls). It’s about believing in yourself, the power of friendship, true love (and Madonna). At this moment in history, when kindness and forgiveness and dreams can sometimes feel out of reach, this show aims to ground us in a sea of nostalgia while reminding us that there is goodness within our reach, even if we have to hit rewind for a moment to find it. 

Vásquez: Sandy has written a really beautiful story that celebrates authenticity, finding your personal voice, and the power of community.  She has pushed the journey of the female-identifying characters to the forefront at a period in time when that wasn't always the case.  It's a lucky thing that in this story our characters are given a second chance, but I think one of the big lessons learned is to not wait around for that second opportunity and really take the risk.  You're worth it.  Every generation goes through a journey of self-discovery and finding their power in their individuality and within their community.   

What would you say to a theatre considering licensing Always Something There? What makes it a great choice for their season? 

Rustin: I’ve always carried a little bit of guilt for having played the role of Sandy in Grease! on the National Tour. I traveled the country teasing my hair and quick-changing myself into a leather clad, cigarette smoking, bomb shell for a famous finale. Unintentionally, with every “tell me about it, stud,” I was depositing the message to girls across the nation that in order to “get the guy,” you had to change yourself. So, when I became a writer (and a parent), I decided I’d like to offer a different message. Always Something There aims to provide audiences with that same boost of joyful, complicated, playful high school energy that Grease! offers – but via a different era, showcasing different music, and offering a different finale! As my generation thrilled at stepping into our parents’ 1950's sock hop (while our parents reveled in nostalgia from their seats), Always Something There allows a new generation of theatre makers to moonwalk into their parents’ youth (while their folks get a backwards glance at their own teenage years). With an adaptable cast size, tons of great roles, and flexible set choices, this show is an easy-to-produce, dance-in-your-seats, crowd pleasing, blast from the past funneled through a contemporary lens.  

Vásquez: Not only is the story of Always Something There one that everyone can find a personal connection to in one way or another, it is one of the greatest 1980's parties you'll ever attend. It's literally one hit after another. The nostalgia, the joy and the energy are through the roof.  The hardest part about producing Always Something There will be keeping your audiences from singing and dancing along during the show. 

Are there any moments in the show that are especially important or meaningful to you? 

Vásquez: I love the ‘80s.  I am a child of the ‘80s. Honestly, the entire show is full of little 1980's Easter eggs. It was important for us to include as many winks and nods to the era as we possibly could, not only for authenticity sake but also as a bit of an insider game for those of certain generations. I find it so much fun to sit in the audience and watch folks catch something in the show that touches them personally in some way.  Whether that be a piece of clothing, a giant Rubik's cube, or a certain dance move. For me, one of my personal favorite moments in the show is when our protagonist, Samantha, finally stands up for herself.  It's crafted in a such a way, with glorious support from the community and ensemble, that regardless of who you are or who you are rooting for in the story, you can't help but feel a little more powerful yourself.    

What do you hope audiences take away from the show? 

Rustin: It has been thrilling to watch our Chicago premiere audiences jump to their feet night after night to sing and dance and cheer for our sweet show. This is all I could EVER want! I receive messages daily from audience members letting me know how much FUN they had and thanking our team for creating a 90-minute respite from the real world. I value the theatre for a million reasons, but chief among them is the escape that it can offer. Always Something There offers an escape and a return to home at the same time. Watching audiences revel in that simultaneous relief and joy is why I love my job so very much. 

Vásquez: I hope audiences leave Always Something There feeling more empowered and willing to step outside of their comfort zones. I think that's really one of the surprises of the show. On the surface, it seems like a bright and shiny ‘80s party, and it most certainly is that!  I know audiences will leave singing all the way home and maybe even into the next day.  But when they also catch themselves a little more open and kind to those around them, that's the icing on the cake.   

Ian Coursey (Cooper Roy), Genevieve Corkery (Debbie Waller), Christina Priestner (Teen Samantha Craig). Photo Credit: Amy Nelson

Additional licensing announcements from MTI about Always Something There… will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, you can learn more here. Click "Follow" to stay updated on the show's licensing status.