Kinks Rock at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

As the seminal musicians that created rock music pass away or age out of performing, there is an energy to field tribute bands in concert, and create musicals that tell the story of this most generation defining music before the protagonists can’t edit the tale.  We have seen the story of Tina Turner and Carole King as well as the Four Seasons and the fictionalized Stereophonic. So do we need another juke box biographical musical?  OH YES if its this one: Sunny Afternoon now gloriously on stage at Chicago Shakes (and possibly on deck for more US performances maybe– as is so often the case with CST shows) is based  on the story of the Kinks,and is a wildly entertaining show, and a must see for any audiophile.  The Kinks were arguably one of the most influential bands of the 1960’s and the sound they created would root a family tree that would go on to branch into heavy metal and punk, so the story of how it all happened is dramatic. And loud: might want to grab the ear protections offered on your way into the Yard Theater. 

I am suspecting this North American premiere is a personal passion project for Chicago Shakes artistic director Edward Hall who directs this sonically immersive and visually beautiful production. First presented in England in 2014, the show jumps the pond to our little puddle with verve and depth– and startling relevance in our current culture wars. Elliott Ware’s music supervision gives insight into what this music sounded like when it was first experienced, though it may not be possible for modern audiences to completely comprehend how fresh and overwhelming this music was the first time it was heard. You will sing along with every tune, and you will be moved by the working class brothers and their mates who, in following their muses, created an art form while trying to make a living. There is no romanticizing the uncomfortableness of fame or glossing over the transitory nature of success. Each of the band members makes sacrifices to become the game changers we think  they are now.   The story is told by Ray Davies, who wrote the original story as well as the music and lyrics featured and so it is his version we are seeing. It is a hero's journey, man against the music industry, a capitalistic, parasitical system that wants to bottle and sell lightning.  Danny Horn plays Ray Davies as a man committed only to the music as he imagines it. Oliver Hoare’s Dave Davies is a true outsider. As in life the women are in the margins, though Ana Margaret Marcu’s Rasa fights for her place beside her man Ray. There is so much to love and contemplate in this show– you may need to see it more than once as true fans do for a band they love. 

Shout out to costume designer Miriam Beuther who made me want to go home and dig out all my mod clothes to revive 60’s London looks, especially when the whole audience jumps up and sings and dances for the finale. 

At this critical moment we may have a lot to learn from a band that pushed the boundaries.  Go revel in this glorious sound: Sunny Afternoon is playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Chicago’s Navy Pier until Tuesdays through Sundays until April 27th, 2025. For tickets and information go to https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/sunny-afternoon/

For more reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com