'Groundhog Day: The Musical' Opens At Aurora's Paramount Theatre

AURORA, IL — Just two days after the annual prognostication that could determine if spring will arrive early, Paramount Theatre is debuting the first Midwest regional staging of "Groundhog Day: The Musical."

Friday will mark opening night of the play at the downtown Aurora theater, 23 E. Galena Boulevard.

Lovers of musical theater and fans of the original 1993 Bill Murray movie, on which the musical is based, will have until March 13 to buy tickets for the "uproariously funny, surprisingly touching and simply inspirational musical comedy."

"Forecast calls for big laughs, hot songs, periodic dance breaks and warmed hearts," reads a news release.

Like the movie, the musical follows weatherman Phil Connors as he relives the same day in a never-ending nightmare. Off-Broadway performer Alex Syiek will make his Chicago debut as Phil, while Phoebe González, based in Chicago, will star as Rita Hanson — played by Andie MacDowell in the film.

Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti is directing theater's production, which is choreographed by Kory Danielson.

"There’s great humanity in this story of Phil Connors, a public figure who, it turns out, is very unappealing off camera," Corti said in a statement. "Phil is the type to take advantage of situations, of others, of women in particular. When he gets stuck in the trap of reliving the same day, every day, he takes advantage of that, too. Until the question becomes ‘what do you do with the day now?’ That’s when Phil’s story takes a turn into a morality tale of sorts. Use every day to help others. In a rut? Be the change."

Tickets, which cost between $36 and $79, can be purchased on Paramount's website, by calling 630-896-6666, or visiting the box office between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Masks and proof of vaccination are required for entry.

RELATED: Will Willie See His Shadow?: Groundhog Days Fest Is Underway