CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Damon Kiely has been a Cubs fan all of his life.
"The producer, Billy Marovitz, and I are both lifelong fans and we both love music," he said. "For Billy, the idea always was how can we create the feeling that fans had when the Cubs won the World Series back in 2016?"
But also how to bring a story about a baseball team to the stage?
"We knew we couldn't do a play with Rizzo singing songs and dancing. So we decided to focus on a Chicago family, who owns a bar," Kiely said.
"Miracle" chronicles the Delaney family, a tough North Side clan whose lives have been intrinsically linked to the Cubbies for generations. Each member of the family has their own story built around the dynamics of their lives and their love of the Cubs.
Kiely, who directs the show, said its a story about family, loyalty, being the underdog and then winning it all.
"We are referencing clips from the season. In Act One, we focus on the entire season. Act Two focuses most exclusively on the World Series. It goes up and down and then up again," he said.
"Bleacher Bums” was a similar production about Cubs fans. It was first produced in 1977 and then revived in 2004.
"Mahler wrote "Hero" and "October Sky" that played at the Lincolnshire Marriott. His music is absolutely fantastic."
Kiely said the show is not just about baseball, it's about nostalgia and how the city came together.
"If you're a White Sox fan that likes musicals you'll have a great time," he laughed. "If you're a White Sox fan who hates musicals, maybe we can convince you. We have some great songs and maybe you'll come to love the Cubs a little, we hope."
"Miracle" opens at The Royal George Theater on May 17. Performances will be Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the box office at 312.988.9000.